Tue Oct 08 10:51:59 UTC 2024: ## Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Awarded for Discovery of MicroRNAs
**Stockholm, Sweden** – American biologists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNAs. These tiny molecules, produced within the body, play a crucial role in regulating gene expression.
Ambros, from the University of Massachusetts, and Ruvkun, from Harvard University, shared the prestigious prize for their work that began in the late 1980s while they were both postdoctoral scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Their research focused on two genes in the C. elegans genome, lin-4 and lin-14, and their unexpected discovery of a short RNA transcript produced by lin-4 that could negatively regulate the expression of lin-14.
This finding revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation and led to the discovery of a new class of small RNA molecules called microRNAs. These molecules, typically 21-23 nucleotides long, are found in animals, plants, and viruses, and play a vital role in diverse biological processes.
The Nobel Committee lauded the discovery, emphasizing the surprising nature of microRNAs and the importance of curiosity-driven research. “It’s a completely new physiological mechanism that no one expected,” said Olle Kämpe, vice chair of the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine.
The award marks the third Nobel Prize awarded in the 21st century for discoveries in RNA biology. Previous awards recognized the work on messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and RNA interference.
The discovery of microRNAs has opened up new avenues for therapeutic interventions in various diseases. Scientists are actively exploring their potential as drug targets and biomarkers for conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and HIV.
Ambros and Ruvkun expressed their surprise and gratitude for the recognition. “Honestly, this was not something that I expected,” said Ambros. “In my opinion, the Nobel Prize to Mello and Fire encompassed all these phenomena that we studied.”
The pair will share the 11 million Swedish kronor prize, adding to their previous accolades for their work on microRNAs, including the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research and the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is a testament to the profound impact of the discovery of microRNAs, underscoring the importance of these small molecules in shaping our understanding of biology and paving the way for future therapeutic innovations.
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