ICL opens protein research lab

The Membrane Protein Laboratory (MPL) was opened on September 1st at the Diamond Light Source national synchrotron facility in Oxfordshire and will examine the proteins which are embedded in the membranes of cells.

With more than 50 per cent of drugs targeting these proteins, the research carried out at the MPL will gain further understanding of them in the hope it will lead to more innovative medicines being developed.

This new laboratory is a vibrant symbol of the nation's commitment to remain at the forefront of scientific endeavour

Professor Gerd Materlik

Chief Executive

Diamond Light Source

The study, which is a joint venture between Imperial and Diamond Light Source and has received funding from the Wellcome Trust, will also open up new avenues of research for structural biologists, according to project leader So Iwata of Imperial's department of life sciences.

Professor Gerd Materlik, Chief Executive of Diamond Light Source, commented: "This new laboratory is a vibrant symbol of the nation's commitment to remain at the forefront of scientific endeavour and the hunt for new and more effective drugs to cure many of the most important and serious diseases.

The Diamond Light Source national synchrotron facility is currently the brightest medium-energy source in the world and is used in research into areas such as physics, chemistry, materials science and crystallography.