Scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun Awarded 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

In recognition of their groundbreaking research in gene regulation, scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Their pioneering discovery of microRNA and its crucial role in gene regulation has introduced a new dimension to genetic science.

Both researchers have been commended for their “discovery of a fundamental principle governing how gene activity is regulated,” as noted in the official Nobel Prize announcement. The information housed within chromosomes is akin to an instruction manual for all cells. Although each cell contains identical genes, they exhibit different characteristics due to the process known as gene regulation, which ensures that each cell type only activates the necessary instructions.

MicroRNA, a class of small RNA molecules identified by Ambros and Ruvkun, is integral to this regulatory mechanism. These molecules do not code for proteins but instead regulate gene activity by binding to complementary mRNA sequences, thereby influencing protein production. This discovery, originally published in 1993, was initially met with skepticism. It was believed that the mechanism observed in the model organism C. elegans, a small roundworm, might not apply to more complex animals. However, the subsequent discovery that similar microRNAs exist across species has proven their widespread importance.

The research conducted by Ambros and Ruvkun unraveled a sophisticated regulation strategy, pivotal for the development of complex organisms. Gene regulation must be precise for various specialized cells to perform their complex tasks, such as muscle cells contracting and nerve cells transmitting signals. Moreover, faulty gene regulation is linked to diseases, including cancer and diabetes, making this area of study vital for medical advancements.

Ambros conducted his research at Harvard University, where he discovered that the gene lin-4 produced microRNA that inhibited the activity of the lin-14 gene. Concurrently, Ruvkun, working at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, determined that this inhibition involved blocking lin-14’s protein production by means of lin-4 microRNA binding to its mRNA. Their findings revealed that microRNAs are not simply a biological curiosity but a universal mechanism regulating genes in multicellular life forms.

This significant scientific breakthrough not only deepens the understanding of cellular processes but also opens new avenues for researching complex disorders and potential treatments related to genetic regulation. The discovery of microRNA highlights the evolutionary importance of gene regulation in maintaining the functions of diverse cell types and adaptations across changing biological conditions.

In the wake of their discovery, hundreds of microRNAs have been identified in humans, underscoring the critical role they play across species. Gene regulation by microRNAs continues to be a rich field of study, promising insights into genetic diseases and therapeutic innovations.