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 to determine protein structures, the sequencing of DNA and the development of monoclonal antibodies. Eleven 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 flat sheets of cells become tubular organs: observing cellular dynamics from 2D to 3D
Many complex tubular organs, including kidney, lung, the intestine and several glands, form from a flat layer of cells during animal development. Failure of proper tube formation underlies severe congenital malformations such as Spina Bifida, and the failure to maintain tube architecture…
Scientists identify exoplanets where life could develop as it did on Earth
Scientists have identified planets outside our solar system where the same chemical conditions exist that may have led to life on Earth. The researchers, from John Sutherland’s group in the LMB’s PNAC Division and the University of Cambridge Cavendish Laboratory, found that…
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Latest News
Fred Sanger at the LMB: From DNA sequencing to the advent of genomicsCelebrating the work of Fred Sanger on the centenary of his birth. One modest, reserved […]
The LMB art show goes crafty The annual LMB art show this year expanded its remit to include craft, in particular […]
Latest Publications
- Mechanisms of signalling and biased agonism in G protein-coupled receptors.
Wootten, D., Christopoulos, A., Marti-Solano, M., Babu, MM., Sexton, PM.
Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. [Epub ahead of print]. (13th August 2018) - Single-cell transcriptomes from human kidneys reveal the cellular identity of renal tumors.
Young, MD., et al.
Science 361(6402): 594-599. (10th August 2018) - PI3Kδ hyper-activation promotes development of B cells that exacerbate Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in an antibody-independent manner.
Stark, AK., et al.
Nat Commun 9(1): 3174. (9th August 2018) - Sulfidic Anion Concentrations on Early Earth for Surficial Origins-of-Life Chemistry.
Ranjan, S., Todd, ZR., Sutherland, JD., Sasselov, DD.
Astrobiology 18(8): 1023-1040. (8th August 2018) - Delay of Initial Feeding of Zebrafish Larvae Until 8 Days Postfertilization Has No Impact on Survival or Growth Through the Juvenile Stage.
Hernandez, RE., Galitan, L., Cameron, J., Goodwin, N., Ramakrishnan, L.
Zebrafish [Epub ahead of print]. (8th August 2018) - Olfactory Neurons and Brain Centers Directing Oviposition Decisions in Drosophila.
Chin, SG., Maguire, SE., Huoviala, P., Jefferis, GSXE., Potter, CJ.
Cell Rep 24(6): 1667-1678. (7th August 2018) - The suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Patton, AP., Hastings, MH.
Curr. Biol. 28(15): R816-R822. (6th August 2018)
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