Component of the Mediator complex, a coactivator involved in the regulated transcription of nearly all RNA polymerase II-dependent genes. Mediator functions as a bridge to convey information from gene-specific regulatory proteins to the basal RNA polymerase II transcription machinery. Mediator is recruited to promoters by direct interactions with regulatory proteins and serves as a scaffold for the assembly of a functional preinitiation complex with RNA polymerase II and the general transcription factors. Required for cholesterol-dependent gene regulation. Positively regulates the Nodal signaling pathway.
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Nucleus
Expressed in all tissues examined, including heart, brain, lung, spleen, thymus, pancreas, blood leukocyte and placenta. However, the level of expression varied, with highest expression in the placenta and peripheral blood and lowest in the pancreas and kidney.