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
- Disruption of the HIV-1 Envelope allosteric network blocks CD4-induced rearrangements.
Henderson, R., et al.
Nat Commun 11(1): 520. (24th January 2020) - In Situ Structure of an Intact Lipopolysaccharide-Bound Bacterial Surface Layer.
von Kügelgen, A., et al.
Cell 180(2): 348-358.e15. (23rd January 2020) - FAMIN Is a Multifunctional Purine Enzyme Enabling the Purine Nucleotide Cycle.
Cader, MZ., et al.
Cell 180(2): 278-295.e23. (23rd January 2020) - Listeria monocytogenes Exploits Host Caveolin for Cell-to-Cell Spreading.
Dhanda, AS., et al.
mBio 11(1). (21st January 2020) - Pressure sensing through Piezo channels controls whether cells migrate with blebs or pseudopods.
Srivastava, N., Traynor, D., Piel, M., Kabla, AJ., Kay, RR.
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. [Epub ahead of print]. (21st January 2020) - Dual role of a GTPase conformational switch for membrane fusion by mitofusin ubiquitylation.
Schuster, R., et al.
Life Sci Alliance 3(1). (19th January 2020) - Social stress and glucocorticoids alter PERIOD2 rhythmicity in the liver, but not in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Ota, SM., Hut, RA., Riede, SJ., Crosby, P., Suchecki, D., Meerlo, P.
Horm Behav 120: 104683 [Epub ahead of print]. (15th January 2020)
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