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.
Cryo-EM structures from the most common type of frontotemporal lobar degeneration, determined by Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon’s group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division, reveals that TDP-43 forms amyloid filaments with distinct folds in different neurodegenerative conditions.
By determining cryo-EM structures of budding yeast and human replisomes Joseph Yeeles group in the LMB’s PNAC Division reveal a conserved mechanism for the coordination of nascent-strand priming.
Cells eliminate “orphan” proteins that have failed to assemble into the molecular machines within which they normally function. Manu Hegde’s group have now elucidated the mechanism by which one type of orphan is selectively recognised and tagged for destruction.
Felix Randow’s group, in the LMB’s PNAC Division, have discovered TECPR1 as a novel E3 ligase, which, when sensing sphingomyelin on damaged membranes, conjugates the ubiquitin-like autophagy protein LC3 to those membranes.
Patrycja Kozik’s group, in the LMB’s PNAC Division, find that the pore-forming protein perforin-2 is an effector of antigen escape in dendritic cells – a critical component to T cell mediated immune responses.
A collaborative study including researchers in Leo James’ group in the LMB’s PNAC Division and Bicycle Therapeutics has developed a new class of antivirals which can be combined together like building blocks to effectively immobilise COVID-19’s Spike protein and block infection.