The prestigious 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA and its critical role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. This announcement, made by the Nobel Assembly on Monday, marks a significant achievement in the field of medicine.
Ambros and Ruvkun’s discovery of microRNA, a new class of tiny RNA molecules, has revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation. These molecules play a crucial role in controlling gene expression, acting as tiny switches that can turn genes on or off. Their research has revealed a fundamental new principle of gene regulation that is essential for the development and functioning of multicellular organisms, including humans.
The Nobel Assembly highlighted the profound impact of their discovery, stating that the human genome codes for over one thousand microRNAs. This discovery has opened a new dimension in our understanding of how genes are regulated, leading to a deeper understanding of various biological processes. MicroRNAs are now considered to be fundamentally important for development, health, and disease.
This Nobel Prize recognition underscores the profound impact of Ambros and Ruvkun’s work and their significant contribution to the advancement of medicine and our understanding of the complex world of gene regulation.
