The Mediator complex is a crucial component of the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription machinery in eukaryotic cells. It serves as a bridge, facilitating communication between gene-specific transcription factors and the Pol II enzyme, thereby regulating gene expression. One of the key subunits of this complex is Mediator Complex Subunit 7 (MED7).
MED7 is a protein-coding gene that plays a significant role in transcriptional regulation. It is part of the central module of the Mediator complex, which is essential for the assembly and stability of the entire complex . MED7 interacts with other subunits within the Mediator complex to form a scaffold that supports the binding of transcription factors and Pol II .
MED7 is involved in various biological processes, including:
MED7 has been identified as a potential biomarker for certain types of cancer. For instance, high MED7 expression is associated with a good prognosis in invasive breast cancer, particularly in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) luminal subtypes . This suggests that MED7 could be used as a prognostic marker to predict patient outcomes and tailor treatment strategies.
Human recombinant MED7 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the MED7 gene into a suitable expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the protein in large quantities. This recombinant protein can be used in various research applications, including: