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
Dual biological clocks discovered in intertidal crustaceans

Collaborative study between Michael Hastings’s group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division and David Wilcockson at Aberystwyth University reveals that crustaceans have two distinct cerebral clocks – one to track days and one for tides – which operate in parallel using overlapping genetic components.
Uncovering the hidden complexity behind the brain’s master clock

Study of body clock proteins led by Nicola Smyllie in Michael Hastings’s group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division, reveals that PER and CRY, key body clock proteins, act more independently than previously thought, challenging long-held understanding of our body’s circadian rhythms.
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Latest News
2025 César Milstein Lecture to be delivered by David Pellman
The 2025 César Milstein Lecture titled ‘Mechanisms driving the rapid evolution of genomes’ will be given by David Pellman at 10am (BST) on Thursday 24th April. […]
Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon awarded The Colworth Medal from the Biochemical Society
Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon, Group Leader in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division, has been recognised for his research into the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases. […]
Latest Publications
- Expression of clock genes tracks daily and tidal time in brains of intertidal crustaceans Eurydice pulchra and Parhyale hawaiensis.
Oliphant, A., Sia, CY., Kyriacou, CP., Wilcockson, DC., Hastings, MH.
Curr Biol [Epub ahead of print]. (8th May 2025) - Cell-penetrating peptide-conjugated, splice-switching oligonucleotides mitigate the phenotype in / double deficient X-linked agammaglobulinemia model.
Bestas, B., et al.
RSC Chem Biol 6(5): 761-771. (8th May 2025) - Phagosomal RNA sensing through TLR8 controls susceptibility to tuberculosis.
Maserumule, C., et al.
Cell Rep 44(5): 115657 [Epub ahead of print]. (6th May 2025) - The neuropeptide FLP-11 induces and self-inhibits sleep through the receptor DMSR-1 in Caenorhabiditis elegans.
Rossi, L., et al.
Curr Biol 35(9): 2183-2194.e10. (5th May 2025) - Mechanism of DNA capture by the MukBEF SMC complex and its inhibition by a viral DNA mimic.
Bürmann, F., Clifton, B., Koekemoer, S., Wilkinson, OJ., Kimanius, D., Dillingham, MS., Löwe, J.
Cell 188(9): 2465-2479.e14. (1st May 2025) - An intranasal subunit vaccine induces protective systemic and mucosal antibody immunity against respiratory viruses in mouse models.
Anthi, AK., et al.
Nat Commun 16(1): 3999. (1st May 2025) - Comparative connectomics of Drosophila descending and ascending neurons.
Stürner, T., et al.
Nature [Epub ahead of print]. (30th April 2025)
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