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 to determine protein structures, the sequencing of DNA and the development of monoclonal antibodies. Eleven 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
Understanding how TRIM21 is regulated during viral infection

During a viral infection, our immune system produces potent antiviral molecules which are hugely important for restoring us to health. However, if made at the wrong time these molecules can be damaging, leading to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple…
Reversing a decline in cellular transport in ageing nerve cells

Ageing is characterised by a decline in function at both the cellular and organismal level and is the major risk factor for several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. One of the key cellular processes that is affected during ageing is…
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Latest news
John Kendrew Lecture to be given by Jacques Dubochet
Jacques Dubochet will give the 2018 John Kendrew Lecture on Thursday 26th April at 4.00pm […]
From Backbench to Lab Bench: LMB welcomes visitors from Westminster
Daniel Zeichner MP for Cambridge, and Nancy Bailey and Rebecca Nohl from the Government Office […]
Latest publications
- Flotillin-1 interacts with the serotonin transporter and modulates chronic corticosterone response.
Reisinger, SN., et al.
Genes Brain Behav. : e12482 [Epub ahead of print]. (18th April 2018) - Intracellular antibody signalling is regulated by phosphorylation of the Fc receptor TRIM21.
Dickson, C., et al.
Elife 7. (18th April 2018) - RPAP3 provides a flexible scaffold for coupling HSP90 to the human R2TP co-chaperone complex.
Martino, F., et al.
Nat Commun 9(1): 1501. (16th April 2018) - The cytoplasmic dynein transport machinery and its many cargoes.
Reck-Peterson, SL., Redwine, WB., Vale, RD., Carter, AP.
Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. [Epub ahead of print]. (16th April 2018) - Germinal center antibody mutation trajectories are determined by rapid self/foreign discrimination.
Burnett, DL., et al.
Science 360(6385): 223-226. (13th April 2018)
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