Research

The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology (LMB), originally named the “State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology”, was established in 1988. The laboratory was jointly founded by the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Tsinghua University, and Peking University. The laboratory passed the national inspection and was allowed to host domestic and international researchers in 1990. In 2015, the laboratory was renamed the “State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology”. As the only leading research institution in China focusing on cutting-edge research in membrane biology, LMB holds a pivotal academic position. Its primary research areas include the structure and function of membrane proteins, the dynamics and functions of membranous organelles, transmembrane signal transduction, transmembrane transport of substances, and the development of new techniques and methods for research on membrane biology. Guided by the principles of “openness, mobility, collaboration, and competition”, LMB emphasizes fundamental research, integrates multidisciplinary expertise at cutting-edge frontiers of life sciences, and leverages collaborations within and outside China, establishing itself as a globally leading research center in membrane biology. LMB was consecutively rated as “Excellent” in national evaluations in 2011 and 2016. Following the 2024 restructuring of state key laboratories, Peking University and Tsinghua University continue their close collaboration to jointly host the new Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology.

Over the past 37 years, under the leadership of four directors—Professors Jinrong Liu, Hongcai Wu, Shiqiang Wang and Ning Gao—the LMB Division at Peking University has cultivated a professional and dynamic research team characterized by strong expertise, balanced age distribution, and active academic interactions. The laboratory has made a series of high-quality research achievements, including breakthroughs in basic research as well as the development of a number of innovative research instruments. Currently, the laboratory has 23 fulltime investigators, who won numerous prestigious awards, including one Second Prize of the National Natural Science Award, one First Prize of the Ministry of Education Natural Science Award, one recognition in China’s Top Ten Scientific Advances, three recognitions in China’s Top Ten Life Science Advances, two XPLORER PRIZE, one  Ho Leung Ho Lee Science and Technology Progress Award, and three C.C. Tan Life Science Innovation Award.

In recent years, LMB has delved deeply into cutting-edge research in the life sciences, guided by major national strategic needs. The laboratory focuses on pathological alterations in biomembranes and their roles in vital life processes, exploring the molecular mechanisms of disease onset, identifying new therapeutic targets, and contributing to the development of innovative diagnostic and treatment strategies. In the future, the laboratory aims to further develop its comprehensive research portfolio integrating basic life science research and medical translation, bring together outstanding talents to strengthen innovation capabilities, and train young talents in life sciences and technology, thereby making continuous contributions to public health in China and in the world.

Website Link：http://www.sklmb.org.cn/