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
Structures of virus-like capsids involved in learning and memory formation

The neuronal gene Arc plays important roles in neural plasticity, learning and memory-related molecular processes and has been shown to mediate intercellular RNA transfer by forming viral-like capsids. John Briggs’ group has now solved the first structures of Arc capsids, providing a foundation for an improved understanding of learning and consolidation of memories.
New insights into the architecture of organelle contact sites, and the sites’ roles in cellular lipid fluxes

By combining fluorescence microscopy and electron tomography, Wanda Kukulski’s lab in Cell Biology Division has visualised protein structures that bridge contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane in yeast, in their native environment i.e. within the cell.
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Latest News
The LMB welcomes Patrycja Kozik as a new Group LeaderPatrycja has been at the LMB for more than three years. Her group is interested […]
César Milstein Lecture to be given by Elaine FuchsElaine is currently the Rebecca C. Lancefield Professor of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development at […]
Latest Publications
- The Initiation of Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation Sequesters DNA Damage Signaling from Autosomes in Mouse Spermatogenesis.
Abe, H., Alavattam, KG., Hu, YC., Pang, Q., Andreassen, PR., Hegde, RS., Namekawa, SH.
Curr. Biol. 30(3): 408-420.e5. (3rd February 2020) - Multimodal Stimulation in a Microfluidic Device Facilitates Studies of Interneurons in Sensory Integration in C. elegans.
Cho, Y., Lee, SA., Chew, YL., Broderick, K., Schafer, WR., Lu, H.
Small : e1905852 [Epub ahead of print]. (31st January 2020) - Distinct roles for innexin gap junctions and hemichannels in mechanosensation.
Walker, DS., Schafer, WR.
Elife 9 [Epub ahead of print]. (29th January 2020) - Three-Dimensional Observations of an Aperiodic Oscillatory Gliding Behavior in Myxococcus xanthus Using Confocal Interference Reflection Microscopy.
Rooney, LM., Kölln, LS., Scrimgeour, R., Amos, WB., Hoskisson, PA., McConnell, G.
mSphere 5(1). (29th January 2020) - Structures of immature EIAV Gag lattices reveal a conserved role for IP6 in lentivirus assembly.
Dick, RA., et al.
PLoS Pathog. 16(1): e1008277 [Epub ahead of print]. (27th January 2020) - Molecular-Genetic Manipulation of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Circadian Clock.
Hastings, MH., Smyllie, NJ., Patton, AP.
J. Mol. Biol. [Epub ahead of print]. (26th January 2020) - DIX Domain Polymerization Drives Assembly of Plant Cell Polarity Complexes.
van Dop, M., et al.
Cell [Epub ahead of print]. (25th January 2020)
See more Publications



The LMB welcomes Patrycja Kozik as a new Group Leader
César Milstein Lecture to be given by Elaine Fuchs
