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
Understanding the protein modifications behind Trim-Away protein degradation technology

Leo James’ group, in the LMB’s PNAC Division, has identified surprising protein modifications that underly Trim-Away protein degradation technology, which may explain its broad applicability to degrade almost any cellular protein.
The structure of the surface layer of the toughest bacterium known elucidated

Using electron microscopy, Tanmay Bharat’s group reveals the surface layer structure of the extremophilic bacterium, Deinococcus radiodurans.
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Latest News
Lori Passmore elected Fellow of Royal SocietyLori Passmore, Group Leader in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, alongside LMB alumnus M. Madan Babu. […]
LMB Lecture on John Kendrew’s personal and scientific life to be given by Paul WassarmanPaul Wasserman will present his LMB Lecture on ‘The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Sir John C. Kendrew’ at 4:00PM on Tuesday 9th May. […]
Latest Publications
- In situ architecture of the ER-mitochondria encounter structure.
Wozny, MR., et al.
Nature [Epub ahead of print]. (10th May 2023) - The Expanded Central Dogma: Genome Resynthesis, Orthogonal Biosystems, Synthetic Genetics.
Gerecht, K., Freund, N., Liu, W., Liu, Y., Fürst, MJLJ., Holliger, P.
Annu Rev Biophys 52: 413-432. (9th May 2023) - Dynamic modulation of genomic enhancer elements in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the site of the mammalian circadian clock.
Bafna, A., Banks, G., Hastings, MH., Nolan, PM.
Genome Res [Epub ahead of print]. (8th May 2023) - Julia for biologists.
Roesch, E., Greener, JG., MacLean, AL., Nassar, H., Rackauckas, C., Holy, TE., Stumpf, MPH.
Nat Methods 20(5): 655-664. (6th May 2023) - Identical tau filaments in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Qi, C., et al.
Acta Neuropathol Commun 11(1): 74. (5th May 2023) - Prebiotic Synthesis of Formylaminonitriles and Derivatives in Formamide.
Green, NJ., Russell, DA., Tanner, SH., Sutherland, JD.
J Am Chem Soc [Epub ahead of print]. (5th May 2023) - Publisher Correction: Actin-driven chromosome clustering facilitates fast and complete chromosome capture in mammalian oocytes.
Harasimov, K., Uraji, J., Mönnich, EU., Holubcová, Z., Elder, K., Blayney, M., Schuh, M.
Nat Cell Biol [Epub ahead of print]. (4th May 2023)
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