| The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the cyclin family of proteins. The encoded protein interacts with cyclin-dependent kinase 8 and induces the phophorylation of the carboxy-terminal domain of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II. The level of mRNAs for this gene peaks in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],function: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 preinitiation complex with RNA polymerase II and the general transcription factors. Binds to and activates cyclin-dependent kinase cdk8 that phosphorylates the CTD (C-terminal domain) of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II (RNAp II), which may inhibit the formation of a transcription initiation complex.,PTM:Phosphorylated upon DNA damage, probably by ATM or ATR.,similarity:Belongs to the cyclin family.,similarity:Belongs to the cyclin family. Cyclin C subfamily.,similarity:Contains 1 cyclin N-terminal domain.,subunit:Component of the Mediator complex, which is composed of MED1, MED4, MED6, MED7, MED8, MED9, MED10, MED11, MED12, MED13, MED13L, MED14, MED15, MED16, MED17, MED18, MED19, MED20, MED21, MED22, MED23, MED24, MED25, MED26, MED27, MED29, MED30, MED31, CCNC, CDK8 and CDC2L6/CDK11. The MED12, MED13, CCNC and CDK8 subunits form a distinct module termed the CDK8 module. Mediator containing the CDK8 module is less active than Mediator lacking this module in supporting transcriptional activation. Individual preparations of the Mediator complex lacking one or more distinct subunits have been variously termed ARC, CRSP, DRIP, PC2, SMCC and TRAP. The cylin/CDK pair formed by CCNC/CDK8 also associates with the large subunit of RNA polymerase II.,tissue specificity:Highest levels in pancreas. High levels in heart, liver, skeletal muscle and kidney. Low levels in brain., |
