Robert Landick is the Dr. Laurens Anderson Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he leads a research group focused on the molecular mechanisms of transcription. His work centers on RNA polymerase structure and function, with implications for gene regulation, antibiotic development, and synthetic biology. Education: B.A., University of Michigan Ph.D., University of Michigan Landick’s research spans bacterial and human systems, investigating how RNA polymerase is regulated during transcription elongation, pausing, and termination. His lab uses a multidisciplinary approach combining genetics, biophysics, structural biology, and systems biology. Key areas of interest include the roles of elongation regulators like NusG, Rho, and NusA, the structural basis of transcriptional pausing, and the impact of chromatin proteins such as H-NS on gene expression. Recent work has explored transcriptional regulation in vivo using ChIP-chip assays and developed methods for studying recombinant RNA polymerases from diverse bacteria. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on transcriptional regulation across diverse organisms, from bacteria to SARS-CoV-2. His work frequently involves structural and mechanistic insights into RNA polymerase function, with recurring themes in regulatory factors, conformational dynamics, and antibiotic targeting. There is a notable emphasis on both fundamental mechanisms and applied outcomes, such as antibiotic discovery and biotechnological applications. Scientific Awards: Dr. Laurens Anderson Distinguished Professor Landick has advised several graduate students, including Jason Saba and Christine Hustmyer, who have successfully defended their theses on topics related to transcriptional regulation in Bacteroides and E. coli. His lab collaborates widely, including with researchers at Stanford and Brandeis on single-molecule assays. He has not received mention of external grant funding in the provided texts, but his extensive publication record in high-impact journals suggests sustained research support. He is actively involved in microbial biotechnology, antibiotic discovery, and the development of novel assays for studying transcription.
