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
Directional loading mechanism is used by SMC complex to capture and ingest DNA

Led by postdoc Frank Bürmann, Jan Löwe’s group in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, and Mark Dillingham’s group at the University of Bristol, have identified the mechanism the bacterial SMC complex MukBEF uses to entrap DNA ahead of loop extrusion, and found how this pathway can be inhibited by a bacteriophage protein.
Writing the LINE-1s: How does LINE-1 remodel human DNA to insert its sequence throughout the genome?

Spearheaded by postdoc George Ghanim, Kelly Nguyen’s group in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division have investigated the molecular mechanisms which allow LINE-1 to propagate throughout the genome via retrotransposition during target-primed reverse transcription.
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Latest News
LMB spinout TRIMTECH Therapeutics will develop targeted protein degraders to treat neurodegenerative conditions
Leo James co-founds new UK biotech company together with Will McEwan (UK DRI at Cambridge) leveraging the unique properties of TRIM21, discovered at the LMB. […]
Sortera Bio spins out of the LMB to pioneer new frontiers in biologics discovery
New UK-based biotechnology company launched to realise therapeutic potential of Deep Screening technology developed by Ben Porebski and Philipp Holliger at the LMB. […]
Latest Publications
- Mechanism of chaperone recruitment and retention on mitochondrial precursors.
Juszkiewicz, S., Peak-Chew, SY., Hegde, RS.
Mol Biol Cell 36(4): ar39. (1st April 2025) - Active telomere elongation by a subclass of cancer-associated POT1 mutations.
Martin, A., et al.
Genes Dev 39(7-8): 445-462. (1st April 2025) - Computational Analysis of SOD1-G93A Mouse Muscle Biomarkers for Comprehensive Assessment of ALS Progression.
Gómez-Gálvez, P., Navarro, V., Castro, AM., Paradas, C., Escudero, LM.
Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 51(2): e70014. (31st March 2025) - Molecular mechanism of Mad2 conformational conversion promoted by the Mad2-interaction motif of Cdc20.
Yu, CWH., Fischer, ES., Greener, JG., Yang, J., Zhang, Z., Freund, SMV., Barford, D.
Protein Sci 34(4): e70099. (31st March 2025) - Identical Seeding Characteristics and Cryo-EM Filament Structures in FTLD-Synuclein and Typical Multiple System Atrophy.
Cullinane, PW., et al.
Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 51(2): e70013. (31st March 2025) - The Arabidopsis basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor LRL1 activates cell wall-related genes during root hair development.
Haghir, S., Yamada, K., Kato, M., Tsuge, T., Wada, T., Tominaga, R., Ohashi, Y., Aoyama, T.
Plant Cell Physiol 66(3): 384-399. (31st March 2025) - Curcumin-mediated NRF2 induction limits inflammatory damage in, preclinical models of cystic fibrosis.
Leon-Icaza, SA., et al.
Biomed Pharmacother 186: 117957 [Epub ahead of print]. (31st March 2025)
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