In line with government instructions, the LMB buildings are open to enable members of LMB to conduct their work and research effectively. Working from home continues where efficient or necessary. The LMB COVID-19 risk assessment has been updated and measures are in place to manage the risk from infection including strict social distancing measures in all areas of the building and maintaining high standards of both personal and environmental hygiene, including wearing face masks in all communal spaces and multi-occupancy offices and lab areas.
External meetings continue to be held via video or teleconferencing. Essential travel for work and work visits to LMB are now permitted. Please use email as the preferred means of contacting members of LMB.
COVID-19 research remains active at LMB, with over 12 separate strands of research into various aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus underway:
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
Atomic advance for cryo-EM
Looking at the precise 3D arrangement of atoms within a protein helps us to understand how it can perform its functions. Radu Aricescu’s and Sjors Scheres’ groups have now been able to resolve individual atoms for the first time in a three-dimensional cryo-EM image.
SARS-CoV-2 disrupts the brain barrier in human organoids
COVID-19 is primarily associated with respiratory effects, but there have been reports of neurological symptoms. Using brain organoids, Madeline Lancaster’s group has found that the virus can disrupt the blood-CSF barrier, which may lead to long-term complications.
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Latest News
Student and postdoc prizes awarded for outstanding workAwards recognise breakthroughs in cryo-EM, brain tissue modelling, and our understanding of membrane protein assembly and thyroid hormone production […]
Opening of LMB Containment Level 3 lab fast-tracked to help fight the COVID-19 pandemicMammoth team effort enables use of live virus for rapid responsive COVID-19 research into SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunity that could help future vaccine development. […]
Latest Publications
- Cytokine absorption during human kidney perfusion reduces delayed graft function-associated inflammatory gene signature.
Ferdinand, JR., et al.
Am J Transplant [Epub ahead of print]. (23rd October 2020) - Characterizing the binding and function of TARP γ8-selective AMPA receptor modulators.
Dohrke, JN., Watson, JF., Birchall, K., Greger, IH.
J Biol Chem 295(43): 14565-14577. (23rd October 2020) - Polymerization and editing modes of a high-fidelity DNA polymerase are linked by a well-defined path.
Dodd, T., Botto, M., Paul, F., Fernandez-Leiro, R., Lamers, MH., Ivanov, I.
Nat Commun 11(1): 5379. (23rd October 2020) - Author Correction: Allele specific repair of splicing mutations in cystic fibrosis through AsCas12a genome editing.
Maule, G., et al.
Nat Commun 11(1): 5457. (22nd October 2020) - A High-Throughput Cellular Screening Assay for Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Activators of Cytoplasmic Dynein-1-Based Cargo Transport.
Vincent, J., et al.
SLAS Discov 25(9): 985-999. (21st October 2020) - Structural and functional characterization of G protein-coupled receptors with deep mutational scanning.
Jones, EM., et al.
Elife 9 [Epub ahead of print]. (21st October 2020) - Single-particle cryo-EM at atomic resolution.
Nakane, T., et al.
Nature [Epub ahead of print]. (21st October 2020)
See more Publications