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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
Writing the LINE-1s: How does LINE-1 remodel human DNA to insert its sequence throughout the genome?

Spearheaded by postdoc George Ghanim, Kelly Nguyen’s group in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division have investigated the molecular mechanisms which allow LINE-1 to propagate throughout the genome via retrotransposition during target-primed reverse transcription.
Asgard archaea proteins reveal evolutionary secrets of membrane remodelling

Studying Asgard archaea, Buzz Baum’s group in the LMB’s Cell Biology Division and Aurelien Roux’s group at the University of Geneva, provide insights into the earliest origins of ESCRT-III and reveal how its proteins work together to remodel membranes.
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Latest News
Sortera Bio spins out of the LMB to pioneer new frontiers in biologics discovery
New UK-based biotechnology company launched to realise therapeutic potential of Deep Screening technology developed by Ben Porebski and Philipp Holliger at the LMB. […]
Shankar Balasubramanian to deliver 2025 Francis Crick Lecture
The 2025 Francis Crick Lecture titled ‘The DNA Quadruplex Helix’ will be given by Shankar Balasubramanian at 11am on Wednesday 19th February. […]
Latest Publications
- Circadian Control of Protein Synthesis.
James, NR., O'Neill, JS.
Bioessays 47(3): e202300158. (12th March 2025) - XFEL crystallography reveals catalytic cycle dynamics during non-native substrate oxidation by cytochrome P450BM3.
Nagao, S., et al.
Commun Chem 8(1): 63. (12th March 2025) - Dopamine increases protein synthesis in hippocampal neurons enabling dopamine-dependent LTP.
Fuchsberger, T., Stockwell, I., Woods, M., Brzosko, Z., Greger, IH., Paulsen, O.
Elife 13. (10th March 2025) - Sodium ibuprofenate: antibacterial activities and potential β-lactamase inhibition in critical Gram-negative bacteria.
Manzanelli, FA., Clemente, CM., Campagno, LP., Beltramo, DM., Robledo, SM., Ravetti, S., Garro, AG.
Future Microbiol : 1-13 [Epub ahead of print]. (9th March 2025) - A framework for neural organoids, assembloids and transplantation studies.
Pașca, SP., et al.
Nature 639(8054): 315-320. (9th March 2025) - Author Correction: Neuronal polyunsaturated fatty acids are protective in ALS/FTD.
Giblin, A., et al.
Nat Neurosci [Epub ahead of print]. (7th March 2025) - Structural mechanism of LINE-1 target-primed reverse transcription.
Ghanim, GE., Hu, H., Boulanger, J., Nguyen, THD.
Science : eads8412 [Epub ahead of print]. (6th March 2025)
See more Publications