• Photo of the new LMB building opened in 2012

Applications for the LMB PhD programme are now open. Deadline 5 December 2023.

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

Molecular mechanics of mitotic error correction revealed by cryo-EM

Graphic illustrating structure of yeast outer kinetochore – microtubule complex: the grey microtubule is encircled by the multicoloured outer kinetochore ring structure composed of Ndc80-Nuf2 and Dam1c ring complexes.

Structure of the outer kinetochore bound to microtubules, determined by David Barford’s group in the Structural Studies Division, reveals how phosphorylation regulates mitotic spindle chromosome attachment errors to ensure DNA is equally segregated into two daughter cells.

Discovery of a new amyloid-forming protein in neurodegenerative disease

Cryo-EM structure of TAF15 and brain.

The discovery of TAF15 amyloid filaments in patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration by the group of Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division establishes this protein as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for this neurodegenerative disorder.

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Latest News

  • Bart Barrell (1944-2023)

    Bart Barrell, former Group Leader in the LMB’s PNAC Division and later co-founder of the Wellcome Sanger Centre, has died aged 79. […]

  • Photo of Jill Banfield2023 Crick Lecture to be given by Jill Banfield 

    The 2023 Francis Crick Lecture titled ‘Innovating metagenomics to explore the strange world of archaeal extrachromosomal elements’ will be given by Jill Banfield at 11AM (GMT) on Monday 27th November. […]

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Latest Publications


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