About Us
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is a research institute dedicated to the understanding of important biological processes at the levels of atoms, molecules, cells and organisms. In doing so, we provide knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health.
Our scientists tackle fundamental, often difficult and long-term research problems. The LMB has made revolutionary contributions to science, such as pioneering X-ray crystallography and electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine protein structures, the sequencing of DNA and the development of monoclonal antibodies. Twelve Nobel Prizes have been awarded for work carried out by LMB scientists.
The LMB also promotes the application and exploitation of our research findings, both by collaboration with existing companies and the founding of new ones, helping to advance medical research and the translation and application of knowledge.
The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both young and established researchers, with state-of-the-art facilities and a unique scientific culture. The LMB has always been very diverse, with a truly international outlook. We currently employ men and women from over 50 countries, and LMB alumni work in research organisations across the world.
Insight on Research
Asgard archaea proteins reveal evolutionary secrets of membrane remodelling
![Evolution, structure and membrane remodelling function of the ESCRT-III superfamily in eukaryotes and their closest relatives Asgard archaea. The two subfamilies, B-type and A-type, have distinct structural properties to perform sequential steps of the membrane remodelling pathway.](https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Baum_Chaaban_SciAdv_Questions_for_Scientific_Stories-Square-image-150x150.jpg)
Studying Asgard archaea, Buzz Baum’s group in the LMB’s Cell Biology Division and Aurelien Roux’s group at the University of Geneva, provide insights into the earliest origins of ESCRT-III and reveal how its proteins work together to remodel membranes.
Newly identified quality control mechanism of RNA Polymerase II transcription
![](https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Pol-II_Cover_News-Sq-150x150.jpg)
Ana Tufegdžić Vidaković’s group, in the LMB’s PNAC Division, have worked with Scott Berry’s group, at the University of New South Wales, to identify the mechanism cells use to regulate gene expression via control of quality and quantity of Pol II molecules.
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Latest News
Shankar Balasubramanian to deliver 2025 Francis Crick Lecture
The 2025 Francis Crick Lecture titled ‘The DNA Quadruplex Helix’ will be given by Shankar Balasubramanian at 11am on Wednesday 19th February. […]
Festive fundraising totals over £1400 for Pets As Therapy
The annual LMB Christmas charity raffle and Craft and Chatter group Christmas sale has raised over £1400 for Pets As Therapy. […]
Latest Publications
- Exploring Aspartate Transcarbamoylase: A Promising Broad-spectrum Target for Drug Development.
Chen, S., et al.
Chembiochem : e202401009 [Epub ahead of print]. (12th February 2025) - Choroid plexus organoids reveal mechanisms of Streptococcus suis translocation at the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier.
Zhao, T., et al.
Fluids Barriers CNS 22(1): 14. (10th February 2025) - Asgard archaea reveal the conserved principles of ESCRT-III membrane remodeling.
Souza, DP., et al.
Sci Adv 11(6): eads5255. (7th February 2025) - Organizer activity in the mouse embryo.
Kretzschmar, J., Goodwin, K., McDole, K.
Cells Dev : 204001 [Epub ahead of print]. (5th February 2025) - The double life of mammalian DNA replication origins.
Hyrien, O., Guilbaud, G., Krude, T.
Genes Dev [Epub ahead of print]. (4th February 2025) - Anti-Ebola virus mAb 3A6 protects highly viremic animals from fatal outcome via binding GP in a position elevated from the virion membrane.
Hastie, KM., et al.
Nat Commun 16(1): 1293. (3rd February 2025) - RNA-Puzzles Round V: blind predictions of 23 RNA structures.
Bu, F., et al.
Nat Methods 22(2): 399-411. (2nd February 2025)
See more Publications