R. Landick

Massively parallel single-cell sequencing of genetic loci in diverse microbial populations

This paper introduces DoTA-seq, a method for single-cell sequencing of genetic loci in microbial populations, and demonstrates its application in studying phase-variable operons and antibiotic resistance gene shifts.

An ensemble of interconverting conformations of the elemental paused transcription complex creates regulatory options

This study defines an interconverting ensemble of ePEC states using cryo-EM and biochemical analysis, showing that ePECs occupy pre- or half-translocated states without always swiveling.

Structural basis for substrate selection by the SARS-CoV-2 replicase

This study uses cryo-EM to reveal how the SARS-CoV-2 RTC discriminates between natural NTPs and the antiviral remdesivir triphosphate, providing insights for antiviral design.

Basis of narrow-spectrum activity of fidaxomicin on gut pathogen Clostridioides difficile

This study identifies the molecular basis of fidaxomicin's narrow-spectrum activity against Clostridioides difficile by analyzing its interaction with RNA polymerase.

Structural basis for backtracking by the SARS-CoV-2 replication-transcription complex

This paper shows that SARS-CoV-2 RdRp undergoes backtracking, which may aid proofreading and antiviral resistance.

Obligate movements of an active site-linked surface domain control RNA polymerase elongation and pausing via a Phe-pocket anchor

This paper investigates the dynamics of the SI3 insertion in E. coli RNA polymerase, showing it must move during transcription and that a Phe pocket modulates its function in elongation and pausing.

Heterologous glycosyl hydrolase expression and cellular reprogramming resembling sucrose-induction enable Zymomonas mobilis growth on cellobiose

This study reprograms Zymomonas mobilis to grow on cellobiose by expressing a heterologous glycosyl hydrolase and adapting it to sucrose-induced cellular changes, achieving 50% cellobiose conversion to glucose within 24 hours.

Alternative transcription cycle for bacterial RNA polymerase

The paper observes bacterial RNA polymerase (RNAP) remaining bound to DNA after termination and restarting transcription in reverse, producing antisense transcripts, using single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and genome-wide RNA sequencing.

The elemental mechanism of transcriptional pausing

This study identifies the elemental pause mechanism in transcription by showing it is multipartite, causes a conformational shift, and can transition into backtracked states.

Structural basis for transcript elongation control by NusG/RfaH universal regulators

This study determines the structural basis of how NusG and RfaH regulate transcript elongation by suppressing backtracking and pausing in bacterial RNA polymerase complexes.

Fidaxomicin jams M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase motions needed for initiation via RbpA contacts

This study determines the structure of M. tuberculosis RNA polymerase with fidaxomicin, revealing how it inhibits transcription by blocking essential motions.

Chemical genomic guided engineering of gamma-valerolactone tolerant yeast

The paper engineers a GVL-tolerant yeast strain by deleting PAD1 and FDC1, enhancing ergosterol content and improving fermentation in GVL-containing hydrolysates.