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
Functionalized graphene sheets on gold grids aid structure determination by electron cryo-microscopy
With the ‘resolution revolution’ of recent years, it should in principle be possible to determine atomic resolution structures of any proteins using electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM). However, in practice, preparation of frozen samples that are suitable for high resolution imaging is a barrier to progress.
Decoding how detection of odours leads to diverse behaviours in flies
We, and all animals, sense things in our surroundings and react to them, but how a sensory input reaching the brain is transformed into behaviour is still unknown for all but the most simple reflexes. To better understand this, Greg Jefferis’ group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division in collaboration with researchers at the Janelia Research Campus have performed the first deep and comprehensive functional analysis into the innate odour processing pathway of a behaviourally complex animal,
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Latest News
LMB welcomes Kelly Nguyen as a new Group LeaderThe LMB is delighted to announce the appointment of Kelly Nguyen as a Group Leader […]
Garib Murshudov and Lalita Ramakrishnan elected to EMBO membershipGarib Murshudov, a group leader in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, and Lalita Ramakrishnan, a […]
Latest Publications
- A synthetic genetic polymer with an uncharged backbone chemistry based on alkyl phosphonate nucleic acids.
Arangundy-Franklin, S., et al.
Nat Chem 11(6): 533-542. (22nd June 2019) - Aaron Klug and the study of Alzheimer's disease.
Goedert, M.
Alzheimers Dement 15(6): 859-861. (19th June 2019) - Structural basis for the inhibition of translation through eIF2α phosphorylation.
Gordiyenko, Y., Llácer, JL., Ramakrishnan, V.
Nat Commun 10(1): 2640. (14th June 2019) - Multifunctional graphene supports for electron cryomicroscopy.
Naydenova, K., Peet, MJ., Russo, CJ.
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 116(24): 11718-11724. (11th June 2019) - Structural biology of glutamate receptor ion channels: towards an understanding of mechanism.
Greger, IH., Mayer, ML.
Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. 57: 185-195 [Epub ahead of print]. (7th June 2019) - Covalent Plasmodium falciparum-selective proteasome inhibitors exhibit a low propensity for generating resistance in vitro and synergize with multiple antimalarial agents.
Stokes, BH., et al.
PLoS Pathog. 15(6): e1007722. (6th June 2019) - Cryo-EM structure of the MinCD copolymeric filament from Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 3.1 Å resolution.
Szewczak-Harris, A., Wagstaff, J., Löwe, J.
FEBS Lett. [Epub ahead of print]. (5th June 2019)
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