Recombinant Mediator of RNA polymerase II transcription subunit 23 (sur-2), partial

Component of the Mediator complex, a coactivator involved in regulated gene 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 pre-initiation complex with RNA polymerase II and the general transcription factors. Functions downstream of receptor let-23 and let-60/Ras during vulval induction likely by down-regulating the expression of phosphatase dep-1 and lin-12/Notch in vulva precursor cell descendants with a primary cell fate. Acts to repress beta-catenin target genes. Required for asymmetric division of T-cells. Plays a role in responses to M.nematophilum-mediated bacterial infection by promoting tail swelling and preventing constipation.