Mon Oct 07 12:21:06 UTC 2024: ## MicroRNA Discoverers Win Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2024
**Stockholm, Sweden** – Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have been jointly awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA. The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet announced the winners on October 7th, recognizing their crucial role in understanding post-transcriptional gene regulation.
Ambros and Ruvkun’s research focused on the development of diverse cell types. They discovered microRNA, a novel class of small RNA molecules, which play a pivotal role in gene regulation. Their findings have revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation, unveiling a new principle vital for multicellular organisms, including humans.
The Nobel Assembly highlighted that the discovery of microRNA has unlocked a new dimension in gene regulation. These tiny molecules have proven to be essential for the development and proper function of genes in all living organisms.
Following their groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified over a thousand microRNAs encoded within the human genome. This research has significantly impacted our understanding of biological processes and has paved the way for new avenues in medical research.
Ambros and Ruvkun’s groundbreaking work began during their post-doctoral fellowship under the guidance of Robert Horvitz, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2002 alongside Sydney Brenner and John Sulston.
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine follows last year’s award to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their discoveries related to nucleoside base modifications, leading to the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.
The remaining Nobel Prize winners will be announced throughout the week, with Physics on October 8th, Chemistry on October 9th, Literature on October 10th, Peace on October 11th, and Economics on October 14th.
First Piper 