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
How flies use smell to determine the identity and position of other flies

Researchers from Greg Jefferis’ group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division have determined the highly specified neural mechanisms which allow Drosophila flies to identify and locate males by scent of a pheromone.
Activating the kinase protein PI3Kα revealed as a potential therapeutic target to protect and regenerate cells

New pre-clinical research in Roger Williams’ group at MRC LMB, University College London and AstraZeneca discovers an activator of PI3Ka that can protect heart cells from dying in the case of injury and accelerate the regeneration of neurons
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Latest News
Lori Passmore elected Fellow of Royal Society
Lori Passmore, Group Leader in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, alongside LMB alumnus M. Madan Babu. […]
LMB Lecture on John Kendrew’s personal and scientific life to be given by Paul Wassarman
Paul Wasserman will present his LMB Lecture on ‘The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Sir John C. Kendrew’ at 4:00PM on Tuesday 9th May. […]
Latest Publications
- New SNCA mutation and structures of α-synuclein filaments from juvenile-onset synucleinopathy.
Yang, Y., et al.
Acta Neuropathol 145(5): 561-572. (27th May 2023) - New frontiers in quality control: the case of GPI-anchored proteins.
Lemus, L., Hegde, RS., Goder, V.
Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol [Epub ahead of print]. (25th May 2023) - A small-molecule PI3Kα activator for cardioprotection and neuroregeneration.
Gong, GQ., et al.
Nature [Epub ahead of print]. (24th May 2023) - [The Elongator complex: A new actor in asymmetric cell division].
José Planelles-Herrero, V., Derivery, E.
Med Sci (Paris) 39(5): 411-414. (23rd May 2023) - Physiological insight into the conserved properties of Caenorhabditis elegans acid-sensing degenerin/epithelial sodium channels.
Kaulich, E., McCubbin, PTN., Schafer, WR., Walker, DS.
J Physiol 601(9): 1625-1653. (23rd May 2023) - Astrocytic control of extracellular GABA drives circadian timekeeping in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Patton, AP., Morris, EL., McManus, D., Wang, H., Li, Y., Chin, JW., Hastings, MH.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 120(21): e2301330120. (23rd May 2023) - The proteasome regulator PSME4 modulates proteasome activity and antigen diversity to abrogate antitumor immunity in NSCLC.
Javitt, A., et al.
Nat Cancer 4(5): 629-647. (22nd May 2023)
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