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
First structure of human telomerase in dimeric assembly

Kelly Nguyen’s group, in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, have used cryo-EM to visualise telomerase in a dimeric formation for the first time and demonstrated how dimerization is important for telomere maintenance.
How RECQL5 applies the brakes to speeding RNA polymerase II to safeguard genome stability

Suyang Zhang’s group, in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, has elucidated how the DNA helicase RECQL5 works with the transcription-coupled DNA repair complex to brake and accelerate RNA polymerase II transcription to maintain genome stability.
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Latest News
Juliette Fedry is a Finalist in Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators
Juliette Fedry, Group Leader in the LMB’s Cell Biology Division, has been recognised for her research into cellular proteostasis processes in health and disease. […]
HR Advisors Ash Munday, Christina Karikides and Callum Armstrong reflect on earning their CIPD Diplomas
The HR Advisors share their motivations and experience of coordinating pursuing the CIPD qualification studies with their job. […]
Latest Publications
- Cryo-EM structure of human telomerase dimer reveals H/ACA RNP-mediated dimerization.
Balch, S., et al.
Science 389(6756): eadr5817. (10th July 2025) - A temperature-sensitive mutant screen reveals a translational stress-induced cell cycle arrest in a thermophilic archaeon.
Foo, S., Kuo, YW., Traparić, J., Grogan, DW., Baum, B.
Mol Biol Cell : mbcE25010012 [Epub ahead of print]. (9th July 2025) - Author Correction: Harnessing a noncanonical vestibular input in the head-direction network to rectify age-related navigational deficits.
Hu, XQ., Wu, KL., Rong, KL., Ke, Y., Yung, WH., Shum, DK., Chan, YS.
Nat Aging [Epub ahead of print]. (7th July 2025) - Structural basis of RECQL5-induced RNA polymerase II transcription braking and subsequent reactivation.
Zhang, L., Gordiyenko, Y., Morgan, T., Franco, C., Tufegdžić Vidaković, A., Zhang, S.
Nat Struct Mol Biol [Epub ahead of print]. (7th July 2025) - Foam film vitrification for cryo-EM.
Zhang, Y., Nandy, B., Sader, K., Russo, CJ., Löwe, J.
Nat Commun 16(1): 6199. (4th July 2025) - The intracellular bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi uses the autotransporter ScaC to activate BICD adaptors for dynein-based motility.
Manigrasso, G., et al.
Nat Commun 16(1): 6122. (3rd July 2025) - Interaction with AK2A links AIFM1 to cellular energy metabolism.
Rothemann, RA., et al.
Mol Cell 85(13): 2550-2566.e6. (3rd July 2025)
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