The protein, called Mediator, is a complex of several subunits that work together to regulate gene expression. Mediator binds to DNA and recruits RNA polymerase, the enzyme that makes RNA from DNA. This process is essential for gene activation.
The Rutgers team, led by associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology Jianjie Ma, used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of Mediator. This allowed them to see how the different subunits of Mediator interact with each other and with DNA.
The researchers also found that Mediator is regulated by a variety of other proteins. These proteins can either activate or repress Mediator activity, depending on the needs of the cell.
"Our findings provide a new understanding of how Mediator works," said Ma. "This knowledge could lead to the development of new drugs that target Mediator and treat diseases such as cancer and diabetes."
The study was published in the journal Nature.
