The role of Mediator kinases during lung homeostasis and disease

The Mediator complex with its catalytic subunit the Mediator kinase module, composed of CDK8/19 and other members, is multimeric complex regulating the transcription machinery, transcription factor activity at promoter and enhancer regions and the chromatin landscape, thus controlling gene expression and cell lineage differentiation. While CDK8 and CDK19 are commonly dysregulated in cancers, we recently identified novel functions of Mediator kinases for lung tissue homeostasis. Using a series of genetically modified mouse models, innovative cell culture systems and organoid cultures combined with state of the art omic approaches we will define the functions of Mediator kinases in the lung and diseases such as Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and COPD.