The preinitiation complex, which contains a mediator, transcription factors, a nucleosome and RNA polymerase II, is important to position the polymerase for the start of transcription. Before RNA synthesis can occur, the polymerase must dissociate from mediator. This appears to be accomplished by phosphorylation of part of the polymerase by a kinase. Importantly, mediator and transcription factors do not dissociate from the DNA at the time polymerase begins transcription. Rather, the complex remains at the promoter to recruit another RNA polymerase to begin another round of transcription.
There is some evidence to suggest that mediator in a yeast is involved in regulating RNA polymerase III (Pol III) transcripts of tRNAs In support of that evidence, an independent report showed specific association of mediator with Pol III in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Those authors also reported specific associations with RNA polymerase I and proteins involved in transcription elongation and RNA processing, supporting other evidence of mediator's involvement in elongation and processing.