MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
One of the world's leading research institutes, our scientists are working to advance understanding of biological processes at the molecular level - providing the knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health.
Detection of DNA damage requires a quick response and dynamic regulation of proteins. Better understanding how DNA repair pathways are initiated could have great clinical implications, particularly for cancer therapy. A team of scientists, including members of David Neuhaus’ group at the LMB, led by Ivan Ahel at the University of Oxford, has now visualised the interaction between two proteins, PARP and HPF1, to show how they work together to initiate DNA repair.
Thyroglobulin, the protein precursor to the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, is the only molecule in the human body that is modified by iodine, and the modification directly leads to the formation of the thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. But the exact process has been sparsely understood.
The neuronal gene Arc plays important roles in neural plasticity, learning and memory-related molecular processes and has been shown to mediate intercellular RNA transfer by forming viral-like capsids. John Briggs’ group has now solved the first structures of Arc capsids, providing a foundation for an improved understanding of learning and consolidation of memories.
By combining fluorescence microscopy and electron tomography, Wanda Kukulski’s lab in Cell Biology Division has visualised protein structures that bridge contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane in yeast, in their native environment i.e. within the cell.
Cells tightly control the levels of ‘housekeeping’ proteins to maintain smooth operation of basic life processes. The most common way cells accomplish this task is feedback control of transcription to turn on or turn off genes in response to perceived need of their protein products.
Our DNA contains all of the information required to tell a cell what it needs to do, but it is constantly being damaged. This damage can cause severe problems, making repair processes hugely important. One common type of DNA damage, known as crosslinking, involves links forming inappropriately between two nucleotide letters.