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

Insight on Research
Imaging mass spectrometry adds the chemical dimension to cryo‑EM
LMB News
LMB achieves Leaders in Openness status
Insight on Research
The hidden rules of mRNA transport
Edith Heard
LMB News
Edith Heard to deliver 2026 César Milstein Lecture
Lori Passmore
LMB News
Lori Passmore elected as an International Member of the National Academy of Sciences
Ramanujan Hegde
LMB News
Manu Hegde elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
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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 05 / 06 / 2026
Selective octopaminergic tuning of mushroom body circuits during memory formation Andreas Thum, Universität Leipzig, Germany
lmb seminar 08 / 06 / 2026
LMB Seminar: Insights into rejuvenation by cellular reprogramming Manuel Serrano, Altos Labs
divisional seminar 08 / 06 / 2026
Sculpting a helical cell wall less bacterium Gayathri Pananghat, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
divisional seminar 18 / 06 / 2026
Quantitative molecular models of proteome-scale signaling networks enabled by machine learning Julia Rogers, Columbia University
lmb seminar 19 / 06 / 2026
LMB Seminar: Transcriptional trickery controls RNA abundance during viral stress Britt Glaunsinger, UC Berkeley
divisional seminar 19 / 06 / 2026
Title TBC Jonethan Pruneda, Oregon Health & Science University
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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

Design principles of human membrane protein topology. (3rd Aug 2026)Wu H, Hegde RSJ Cell Biol • 225(8) • doi: 10.1083/jcb.202604059
Small Molecule Activators of Protein Phosphatase 2A Exert Global Stabilizing Effects on the Scaffold PR65. (25th May 2026)Naqvi MM, Zacharopoulou M, Saha S, Banerjee A, Yilmaz SZ, Sunderlikova V, Johnson CM, Kumita JR, Yang SH, Gordon R, Ohlmeyer M, Tans SJ, Gur M, Bahar I, Itzhaki LSJACS Au • 6(5):2753-2765 • doi: 10.1021/jacsau.6c00003
A novel RAB5 binding site in human VPS34-CII that is likely the primordial site in eukaryotic evolution. (28th May 2026)Spokaite S, Ohashi Y, Bourguet M, Dessus AN, Williams RLElife • 15 • doi: 10.7554/eLife.110040
A human corticospinal organoid-slice connectoid model informs enhancer strategies for post-injury axon regrowth. (26th May 2026)Gibbons GM, Fuchsberger T, Abdelgawad M, Giandomenico SL, Szebényi K, Petrova V, Wenger LMD, Olschewski DN, Chabros J, Muresan L, Feord RC, Asif M, Fawcett JW, Mierau SB, Paulsen O, Lancaster MA, Lakatos ACell Rep • 45(6):117399 • doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117399
Subcellular chemical mapping using correlated cryogenic electron and mass spectrometry imaging. (25th May 2026)Ochner H, Isbilir B, Blasche S, Scheidweiler D, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Smith T, Franco C, Bradley R, Patil KR, Bharat TAMNat Methods • doi: 10.1038/s41592-026-03109-7
Intracellular potassium levels orchestrate circadian rhythmicity and cell division. (22nd May 2026)Gil Rodríguez S, Hansen LL, Fraser OJP, Chew YP, Spangler RK, Grünewald E, Beale AD, Rabbitts BM, Stangherlin A, O'Neill JS, Partch CL, Crosby P, van Ooijen GNat Commun • doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-73351-2
The amyloid packing difference: A pairwise comparison metric for amyloid structures. (22nd May 2026)Scheres SHWStructure • doi: 10.1016/j.str.2026.04.014
The Golgi vesicle tether p115/USO1 can bind directly to the ER exit site organiser Sec16A. (22nd May 2026)Yakunin I, Gillingham AK, Pereira C, Gershlick DC, Munro SJ Cell Sci • doi: 10.1242/jcs.264894
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