• Photo of the new LMB building opened in 2012

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

How RECQL5 applies the brakes to speeding RNA polymerase II to safeguard genome stability

Suyang Zhang’s group, in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, has elucidated how the DNA helicase RECQL5 works with the transcription-coupled DNA repair complex to brake and accelerate RNA polymerase II transcription to maintain genome stability.

Architecture of the disease-prone GluA3 receptor unlocks new avenues for drug design

Structure of GluA3

Ingo Greger’s group, in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division, discover that the GluA3 AMPAR adopts a structural organization that substantially diverges from all the other AMPA receptors.

See more Insight on Research

Latest Publications


See more Publications