3D colour-coded reconstruction of a fruit fly brain connectome, detailing intricate neuronal networks across distinct regions.

Discovering
how life works

This 3D rendering shows the neural connections in a fruit fly brain, which is less than 1 mm across. Read more about the rendering, Greg Jefferis’s group and the FlyWire Consortium.
Molecular model of a replisome, a multi-protein complex (colored blobs) actively replicating a DNA double helix (yellow strand).

Research that spans the breadth of biology

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is a research institute dedicated to the understanding of fundamental biological processes at the levels of atoms, molecules, cells and organisms. The knowledge we provide is crucial to solving key problems in human health.

Our Science
A 3D image of the human replisome, the molecular machinery that copies our DNA, captured using electron cryomicroscopy. Discover more about the research exploring how these complexes work.

Latest News

Protein structure prediction confidence for a specific region is improved when an active-state template is used.
Insight on Research
Harnessing AI to unveil hidden cell signalling pathways
Heatmap illustrating the temporal activity of multiple transcription factors, where varying shades from blue to yellow indicate activity levels.
Insight on Research
Fly cell atlas reveals hidden rules of brain development
Tarantula skin
LMB News
A catalyst for curiosity: the 2026 Microscopes 4 Schools Competition sparks students’ scientific intrigue
Five smiling people stand behind a table displaying brain models, flyers, and science-themed items at an indoor event.
LMB News
LMB scientists partner with BioClocks UK to showcase circadian rhythm research at The Big Bang Fair
Portrait photographs of Julian Sale, Emmanuel Derivery and Kelly Nguyen
LMB News
Three LMB Group Leaders elected members of EMBO
A heart made of pink and white dots centered on a black canvas, surrounded by colorful dot-filled segments radiating outwards.
LMB News
Creative hobbies abound at the LMB Arts and Crafts Show
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Three women sit at a table smiling and gesturing during a discussion, with one woman's back to the viewer and notebooks on the table.

An unsurpassed environment for researchers

The LMB comprises over 50 scientific groups pursuing ambitious research, supported by cutting-edge scientific facilities and generous core-funding by the MRC/UKRI. We occupy an inspiring, purpose-built building on the thriving Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Working at the LMB

Public Engagement

How we connect with society and inspire the next generation.

Upcoming Seminars & Events

divisional seminar 28 / 07 / 2026
Novel modes of synaptic signaling: from soluble ectodomains to therapeutics Peter Penzes, Northwestern University
divisional seminar 17 / 08 / 2026
Two pore domain THIK potassium channels regulate acute and chronic pain signaling / Two pore domain TWIK1 channel, a potassium channel whose pH sensitivity alters its ionic selectivity Delphine Bichet & Franck Chatelain, IPMC, Nice-Sophia Antipolis, France
lmb named seminar 07 / 09 / 2026
LMB Seminar: Title TBC Ryan Flynn
other seminar 16 / 09 / 2026
Next Generation Biophysics Symposium 2026 – Pre-registration required TBC
divisional seminar 17 / 09 / 2026
Learning about learning through the worm Yee Lian Chew, Associate Professor in Physiology, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
divisional seminar 13 / 10 / 2026
Molecular Systems Biology Kiran Patil
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Fluorescent micrograph of a neuronal cell body with numerous radiating filamentous processes.

Progressing science for over 60 years

Since our origins in 1947, the LMB has pioneered the molecular biology revolution and is a world-leading source of new ideas, scientific advances and technology. Our discoveries have led to highly successful commercialisations and medical advances that have improved human life.

Explore Our History Timeline
An axon bundle growing from a human brain organoid within a micropatterned device. Read more about research into axon growth and human brain development. 

Latest Publications

Where next for structural bioinformatics?Greener JGPLoS Biol • 24(7):e3003903 • doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003903
Synergistic cytokine signaling drives angiofibrotic gene pathways in primary human retinal endothelial cells. (24th Jul 2026)McLellan FC, Liang G, Jin Y, Madigan MC, Ng PQ, White AG, Williams PA, Shu DYAm J Pathol • doi: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2026.06.007
DeorphaNN: Virtual screening of GPCR peptide agonists using AlphaFold-predicted active-state complexes and deep learning embeddings. (23rd Jul 2026)Ferguson L, Ouellet S, Vandewyer E, Wang C, Wunna Z, Lim TKY, Schafer WR, Beets IMol Cell • doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2026.07.006
Eukaryotic-like microtubules and dynamic instability of Asgard archaeal tubulins. (24th Jul 2026)Löwe J, von Kügelgen A, Planelles-Herrero VJ, McAndrew MBL, Oliva MA, Vosseberg J, Köstlbacher S, Dharamshi JE, Appler KE, MacLeod FI, Nobs SJ, Jørgensen SL, Burns BP, Baker BJ, Bharat TAM, Derivery E, Tamarit D, Ettema TJGSci Adv • 12(30):eaeh1082 • doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aeh1082
CryoEM in the fast lane of structural biology. (1st Sep 2026)Henderson R, Hasnain SSIUCrJ • doi: 10.1107/S2052252526007220
A global molecular code for birth order and neuronal identity in Drosophila. (22nd Jul 2026)Cachero S, Mitletton M, Beckett IR, Marin EC, Capdevila LS, Gkantia M, Soffers JHM, Lacin H, Jefferis GSXE, Donà ENature • doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10797-w
Organization of circuits linking descending input to motor output in the Male Adult Nerve Cord connectome. (20th Jul 2026)Cheong HSJ, Eichler K, Stürner T, Asinof SK, Champion AS, Marin EC, Oram TB, Sumathipala M, Venkatasubramanian L, Namiki S, Siwanowicz I, Costa M, Berg S, FlyEM Project Team J, Jefferis GSXE, Card GMElife • 13 • doi: 10.7554/eLife.96084
Distinct receptors for a promiscuous RFamide neuropeptide co-regulate a distributed circuit for locomotory arousal in C. elegans. (18th Jul 2026)De Fruyt N, Chudinova A, Thapliyal S, Geens E, Roy C, Vandewyer E, Van Damme S, Mergan L, Beets IGenetics • doi: 10.1093/genetics/iyag188
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