Dr. Robert Landick, Charles Yanofsky Professor of Biochemistry and Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, will present “Understanding the Cell’s CPU: Mechanism and Regulation of RNA Polymerase Pausing.”

To respond to information about a cell’s status and surroundings, transcribing RNA polymer-ase has evolved a remarkable capacity to halt RNA synthesis temporarily—i.e., to pause—at positions on DNA where input is needed. Much as a computer program pauses temporarily to await instructions, pausing at the correct locations for timely interactions of sensor molecules (e.g., transcription factors or RNA structures) allows RNA polymerase to function as an efficient cellular information processor.