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
Complete synaptic-resolution connectome of an insect larval brain

The groups of Marta Zlatic and Albert Cardona in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division have mapped the Drosophila larval brain, which contains 3016 neurons and 548,000 synapses and is the most complex brain ever mapped in its entirety.
Aggregation of proteins on cell surface triggers rapid uptake and degradation

Using a combination of light microscopy and biochemical assays, Harvey McMahon’s group, in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division, have identified aggregation-dependent endocytosis (ADE) as the pathway by which cells respond to surface perturbations.
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Latest News
Luka Smalinskaite is announced as the 2023 winner of British Society for Cell Biology’s Raff Medal
Luka Smalinskaite was recognised for her PhD work in the Hegde group investigating how membrane proteins become embedded into the membrane. […]
Apprenticeship success in the LMB workshops
In the past year, Abby Chisnall and Alex Haslett-Saunders have completed apprenticeship qualifications in the LMB’s Electronic Workshop and Mechanical Workshop respectively. […]
Latest Publications
- Modulatory mechanisms of TARP γ8-selective AMPA receptor therapeutics.
Zhang, D., Lape, R., Shaikh, SA., Kohegyi, BK., Watson, JF., Cais, O., Nakagawa, T., Greger, IH.
Nat Commun 14(1): 1659. (25th March 2023) - Structural basis of mitochondrial membrane bending by the I-II-III-IV supercomplex.
Mühleip, A., et al.
Nature [Epub ahead of print]. (22nd March 2023) - New insights into GPCR coupling and dimerisation from cryo-EM structures.
Gusach, A., García-Nafría, J., Tate, CG.
Curr Opin Struct Biol 80: 102574 [Epub ahead of print]. (22nd March 2023) - The patterned assembly and stepwise Vps4-mediated disassembly of composite ESCRT-III polymers drives archaeal cell division.
Hurtig, F., et al.
Sci Adv 9(11): eade5224. (17th March 2023) - Mechanism of signal-anchor triage during early steps of membrane protein insertion.
Wu, H., Hegde, RS.
Mol Cell 83(6): 961-973.e7. (16th March 2023) - Cell state transitions: catch them if you can.
Miroshnikova, YA., Shahbazi, MN., Negrete, J., Chalut, KJ., Smith, A.
Development 150(6). (15th March 2023) - GCNA is a histone binding protein required for spermatogonial stem cell maintenance.
Ribeiro, J., Crossan, GP.
Nucleic Acids Res [Epub ahead of print]. (15th March 2023)
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