The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institutet has awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA and its crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Their discovery has revolutionized our understanding of how genes are controlled at the molecular level.
Gary Ruvkun
Victor Ambros
The Discovery of MicroRNA
In 1993, Ambros and Ruvkun published findings that unveiled a new level of gene regulation, showing that small RNA molecules, now known as microRNAs, could regulate gene expression after the process of transcription. This finding was unexpected at the time and revealed a conserved mechanism across various species, from worms to humans. MicroRNAs function by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA), preventing it from being translated into proteins, thus controlling the amount of protein produced by the gene.
This discovery has since become fundamental in the field of molecular biology, shedding light on the complex processes that control gene expression and influencing our understanding of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. It also opened new avenues for therapeutic interventions, where targeting microRNA pathways can potentially treat diseases linked to abnormal gene regulation.
Importance of the Discovery
The work of Ambros and Ruvkun demonstrated that gene regulation is not solely dependent on the classical transcriptional mechanisms but involves post-transcriptional controls that are essential for normal cellular functions. Their discovery showed that microRNAs play a significant role in various biological processes, including development, metabolism, and stress responses, and that disturbances in microRNA activity could lead to diseases.
This level of gene control is conserved across different species, highlighting its evolutionary significance. Their research has since inspired a vast body of work in the field of genetics and medicine, where microRNA-based therapies are being explored to treat a range of illnesses.
Nobel Prize and Recognition
For their pioneering work, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has recognized Ambros and Ruvkun’s contributions to science with the prestigious 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Along with the honor, the laureates will share a prize sum of 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1.1 million USD). The Nobel Prize in Medicine, as is tradition, is the first of the six categories to be announced each year, setting the stage for the rest of the Nobel Prizes to be revealed over the coming days.
Conclusion
The discovery of microRNA by Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun marks a transformative moment in molecular biology. Their work has deepened our understanding of gene regulation and holds promise for future advancements in medicine. As they join the ranks of Nobel laureates, their discovery continues to influence research and therapeutic developments, offering hope for new treatments for complex diseases.
