Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry

Molecular model of a DNA double helix, showing the translucent blue sugar-phosphate backbone and intricate internal nucleotide base structures.

The Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry (PNAC) Division investigates the fundamental molecular processes that underlie immunity and genome function in health and disease.

We aim for a better understanding of the chemical logic that enables the central dogma and its emergence from inanimate matter.

A model of modified DNA (alkyl phosphonate nucleic acid) in which part of the molecule has been chemically altered to create new properties. Explore this research into synthetic biology and novel biomolecules.

The key areas of our research range from prebiotic chemistry, in vitro evolution and synthetic genomics to cancer and the interface between innate and adaptive immunity and the nervous system. We explore these fundamental processes using a combination of technologies including genetic screens, microscopy and structural biology methods, biochemistry, mass spectrometry next-generation sequencing and in vitro assays. Our groups work closely together on shared themes within PNAC, for example, in reagent and technology development.

What could be more important than understanding the molecular basis of life from its origins to the present day? That is our remit.

Philipp Holliger

JOINT HEAD OF DIVISION

Group Leaders
  • Philipp HolligerPhilipp HolligerProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryEvolution of novel biopolymers
  • Leo JamesLeo JamesProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryHost-pathogen biology
  • Patrycja KozikPatrycja KozikProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryDendritic cells and initiation of immune responses
  • Andrew McKenzieAndrew McKenzieProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryInvestigation of immune and haematopoietic disorders
  • Felix RandowFelix RandowProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryCell-autonomous and innate immunity
  • Wes RobertsonWes RobertsonProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistrySynthetic genomics for microbiome reprogramming
  • Noe RodriguezNoe RodriguezProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryInvestigation of immunity and neuro-immune modulation in infection and cancer
  • Julian SaleJulian SaleProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryVertebrate mutagenesis
  • John SutherlandJohn SutherlandProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryChemical origins of molecular biology
  • Ana Tufegdžić VidakovićAna Tufegdžić VidakovićProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryMolecular basis of gene transcription
  • Roger WilliamsRoger WilliamsProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryStructural studies of phosphoinositide signalling and intracellular sorting
  • Joseph YeelesJoseph YeelesProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryMechanisms of chromosome replication
Emeritus
  • Mariann BienzMariann BienzProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryMolecular mechanisms of Wnt signal transduction
  • Alan FershtAlan FershtProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryProtein folding, misfolding and disease
  • Michael GaitMichael GaitProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryTherapeutic applications of synthetic oligonucleotide analogues and their peptide conjugates
  • Greg WinterGreg WinterProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistryEngineering new medicines
Fellows
  • Anne DonaldsonAnne DonaldsonProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistrySponsored by Joseph Yeeles
  • Patrick CaiPatrick CaiProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistrySponsored by Julian Sale
  • Tom EllisTom EllisProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistrySponsored by Philipp Holliger
  • Paul LehnerPaul LehnerProtein and Nucleic Acid ChemistrySponsored by Felix Randow
Past Group Leaders Since 2009

Alexander Betz

Left the LMB, September 2015

Gerry Crossan

Left the LMB, April 2024

Paul Dear

Stepped down, September 2010, deceased 2020

Kevin Hiom

Moved to the University of Dundee, March 2010, Retired 2025

David Komander

Moved to the Walter+Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Australia, October 2018

Michael Neuberger

Deceased, October 2013

Alan Warren

Moved to the University of Cambridge, March 2014