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
Activation of lysosomes allows worms to live longer and may protect against neurodegenerative diseases
Ageing is a growing problem for society, particularly because of the associated increased risk of developing disease. Understanding how we might be able to live healthier for longer is a key goal of medical research. The nematode worm C. elegans is a commonly used model for studying the changes that take place as animals age.
Insights into how KAP1 silences viral origin DNA in our genomes
Our genome contains DNA from ancestral retroviral infections. These stretches of DNA are not usually harmful unless the cell’s normal ability to regulate them is lost, then their expression can potentially lead to disease. Yorgo Modis’ group, in the University of Cambridge Molecular Immunity Unit at the LMB,
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Latest News
LMB alumnae share their experiences and careers advice at annual Cambridge AWiSE eventThe LMB and the Cambridge Association for Women in Science and Engineering (AWiSE) recently held […]
Two new group leaders at the LMB: Kate McDole and Marta ShahbaziThe LMB is delighted to announce the appointment of two new group leaders to the […]
Latest Publications
- Neuropathological changes and cognitive deficits in rats transgenic for human mutant tau recapitulate human tauopathy.
Malcolm, JC., et al.
Neurobiol. Dis. 127: 323-338. (21st July 2019) - Development of Inhibitors against Mycobacterium abscessus tRNA (mG37) Methyltransferase (TrmD) Using Fragment-Based Approaches.
Whitehouse, AJ., et al.
J. Med. Chem. [Epub ahead of print]. (19th July 2019) - EFL1 mutations impair eIF6 release to cause Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.
Tan, S., et al.
Blood 134(3): 277-290. (18th July 2019) - XBP-1 Remodels Lipid Metabolism to Extend Longevity.
Imanikia, S., Sheng, M., Castro, C., Griffin, JL., Taylor, RC.
Cell Rep 28(3): 581-589.e4. (16th July 2019) - Centriolar satellites are acentriolar assemblies of centrosomal proteins.
Quarantotti, V., et al.
EMBO J. 38(14): e101082. (15th July 2019) - In vivo identification of GTPase interactors by mitochondrial relocalization and proximity biotinylation.
Gillingham, AK., Bertram, J., Begum, F., Munro, S.
Elife 8. (11th July 2019) - Structure-based mechanism for activation of the AAA+ GTPase McrB by the endonuclease McrC.
Nirwan, N., Itoh, Y., Singh, P., Bandyopadhyay, S., Vinothkumar, KR., Amunts, A., Saikrishnan, K.
Nat Commun 10(1): 3058. (11th July 2019)
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