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
Pathway behind pathogenic mechanism of tuberculosis identified

New research from Lalita Ramakrishnan’s group, LMB Cell Biology Division and University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit, has revealed the reverse electron transport pathway behind mitochondrial reactive oxygen species overproduction, contributing to tuberculosis pathogenesis.
Clinical study reveals striking daily temperature variation in the human brain that predicts survival after brain injury

A clinical study, led by Nina Rzechorzek in John O'Neill's group at the LMB, showed that healthy human brain temperature varies far more than previously assumed—by age, sex, brain region, and time of day. This has major implications for patients, suggesting that daily rhythmic brain temperature variation is critical to brain function.
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Latest News
The LMB Arts and Crafts Show displays a variety of talent
The annual LMB Arts and Crafts Show was recently held in the LMB Atrium. The show, which has run for over 10 years, is a chance for people at the LMB to showcase their creative talents, and this year’s show saw a wide range of items on display. […]
César Milstein Lecture to be given by Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci
BioNTech co-founders Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci will discuss using mRNA technology in vaccines to treat cancer and COVID-19. […]
Latest Publications
- Systems neuroscience: Auditory processing at synaptic resolution.
Bates, AS., Jefferis, G.
Curr Biol 32(15): R830-R833. (8th August 2022) - Template-Free Assembly of Functional RNAs by Loop-Closing Ligation.
Wu, LF., Liu, Z., Roberts, SJ., Su, M., Szostak, JW., Sutherland, JD.
J Am Chem Soc 144(30): 13920-13927. (3rd August 2022) - Selective inhibition of protein secretion by abrogating receptor-coat interactions during ER export.
Gomez-Navarro, N., et al.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 119(31): e2202080119. (2nd August 2022) - Cryomicroscopy : what is the smallest molecule that can be directly identified without labels in a cell?
Russo, CJ., Dickerson, JL., Naydenova, K.
Faraday Discuss [Epub ahead of print]. (1st August 2022) - High-throughput cryo-EM structure determination of amyloids.
Lövestam, S., Scheres, SHW.
Faraday Discuss [Epub ahead of print]. (1st August 2022) - Engineered disulfide reveals structural dynamics of locked SARS-CoV-2 spike.
Qu, K., et al.
PLoS Pathog 18(7): e1010583. (29th July 2022) - #ESHREjc report: renewing the old: novel stem cell research for unsolved ART problems.
Sharma, K., et al.
Hum Reprod [Epub ahead of print]. (26th July 2022)
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