Applications for the LMB PhD programme are now open. Deadline 3rd December 2024.
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
Whole brain connectome of fruit fly is most complex brain ever mapped
An international collaboration, including Greg Jefferis’ group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division, have published the connectome of the Drosophila fly – the most complex brain to be mapped in its entirety, including 140,000 neurons and over 15 million connections.
Using ultrasound to determine pregnancy in mice
Introduction of ultrasound machines has allowed LMB animal technicians to accurately detect pregnancy in mice as early as 5.5 days, which ultimately reduces the number of mice needed for research.
Quick Links
Latest News
- Lori Passmore appointed as Joint Head of the LMB’s Structural Studies Division
Group Leader Lori Passmore is appointed joint Head of the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, alongside Sjors Scheres. […]
- Silvia Arber to deliver 2024 Crick Lecture
The 2024 Francis Crick Lecture titled ‘Neuronal circuits for body movements’ will be given by Silvia Arber at 11am (BST) on Monday 30th September. […]
Latest Publications
- A comparative study of the cryo-EM structures of and human anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C).
Vazquez-Fernandez, E., Yang, J., Zhang, Z., Andreeva, AE., Emsley, P., Barford, D.
Elife 13. (14th October 2024) - Structural basis of AUC codon discrimination during translation initiation in yeast.
Villamayor-Belinchón, L., Sharma, P., Gordiyenko, Y., Llácer, JL., Hussain, T.
Nucleic Acids Res 52(18): 11317-11335. (14th October 2024) - Zika viruses encode 5' upstream open reading frames affecting infection of human brain cells.
Lefèvre, C., et al.
Nat Commun 15(1): 8822. (12th October 2024) - A novel missense variant in the gene in sheep with lissencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia.
Manning, LK., et al.
Vet Pathol : 3009858241283501 [Epub ahead of print]. (12th October 2024) - The chronobiology of human heart failure: clinical implications and therapeutic opportunities.
Gentile, F., et al.
Heart Fail Rev [Epub ahead of print]. (11th October 2024) - Engineering Pyrrolysine Systems for Genetic Code Expansion and Reprogramming.
Dunkelmann, DL., Chin, JW.
Chem Rev 124(19): 11008-11062. (9th October 2024) - DynaMight: estimating molecular motions with improved reconstruction from cryo-EM images.
Schwab, J., Kimanius, D., Burt, A., Dendooven, T., Scheres, SHW.
Nat Methods 21(10): 1855-1862. (9th October 2024)
See more Publications