The Mediator captures CDK7, an attractive transcriptional target in cancer

Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) is implicated in regulating the expression of cancer-dependent genes, and multiple CDK7-targeted therapies are currently under clinical investigation. Three recent studies elucidate the structure of human transcription machinery, offering vital mechanistic insights into CDK7 function and a potential pharmacodynamic marker of CDK7 activity in tumors.