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.
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterised by the formation of filamentous Tau protein inside nerve cells and amyloid-beta peptides outside cells. Despite more than three decades of research into Tau filaments from a range of different neurodegenerative diseases, atomic structures were still lacking.
Dyneins are a family of motor proteins that move along microtubules to transport various important cargos, including proteins and RNAs, to different parts of the cell and are crucial to correct cell function. Gradually, the structure of various components of dynein have been revealed.
The DNA in cells is constantly damaged by both internal activities of the cell and by external factors such as ionising radiation. In order to function correctly, this damage must be repaired, or if it cannot be repaired, the cell must be killed to prevent development of diseases such as cancer. The large protein kinase, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), is a vital component of the cell’s DNA repair machinery.
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form the largest family of membrane-protein receptors and drug targets. With over 800 different family members in humans, GPCRs regulate diverse intracellular signalling cascades in different cell types, tissues and organ systems. Whilst GPCRs sense a plethora of environmental stimuli, the appropriate cellular response is primarily triggered by binding to four major Gα protein families encoded by 16 human genes.
The Wnt signalling pathway is an ancient cell communication pathway that has important roles in development and cancer. Wnt signals elicit context-dependent transcriptional responses by stabilising a cytoplasmic effector called beta-catenin. This controls the embryonic development of tissues and organs in all animals, from the most primitive ones all the way to humans.
DNA in the nucleus is arranged into nucleosomes to produce an 11nm fibre which then intricately folds into high order assemblies. This nuclear organisation – the 3D arrangement of the genome within the nucleus – is critically linked to nuclear processes. Previously it has only been possible to analyse genome organisation across populations of cells.