Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have been awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA, a crucial regulator of gene activity. This discovery has shed light on the intricate process of gene regulation that forms the basis of human cell development. The study conducted by Ambros and Ruvkun has revealed how microRNAs play a key role in controlling protein production within cells, a process that has evolved over hundreds of millions of years.
The Nobel Prize committee made the announcement of this year’s laureates in Sweden on Monday, recognizing the significant contribution of these American scientists to the field of genetics. The committee commended Ambros and Ruvkun for their discovery, which has uncovered a new dimension of gene regulation that was previously unknown. Ambros, a professor of natural sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, conducted the prize-winning study while Ruvkun, a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, conducted his research at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Speaking at the Nobel Prize announcement, Thomas Perlmann, the Secretary General of the Nobel Committee, emphasized the importance of gene regulation in the process of cell development. He explained how each cell in our body contains the same set of chromosomes, which act as an instruction manual for the cell’s functions. However, the regulation of genes through microRNAs allows cells to activate only the necessary instructions for specific cell types, such as muscle and nerve cells, ensuring that each cell performs its designated function effectively.
The discovery of microRNA has played a crucial role in the evolution of complex organisms, as it has enabled precise control over gene expression. Errors in gene regulation can lead to serious health conditions in humans and animals, including cancer, hearing loss, and skeletal abnormalities. Ambros and Ruvkun’s research has laid the foundation for understanding how gene expression is finely tuned to achieve optimal cellular function.
In their pioneering research, Ambros and Ruvkun initially focused on the genetic analysis of a tiny roundworm called C. elegans, which serves as a model organism for studying tissue development and maturation in multicellular organisms. The discovery of the first microRNA by Ambros in 1993 was initially met with skepticism, as it was believed to be unique to C. elegans. However, Ruvkun’s subsequent identification of microRNAs in other animals led to a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of genetics.
Since then, the study of microRNAs has exploded, with tens of thousands of these molecules being identified in various species. This research has paved the way for advancements in gene therapy, including mRNA vaccinations developed by Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, which have played a crucial role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.
For their groundbreaking work, Ambros and Ruvkun will receive a prize of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million), along with the recognition and honor that come with being awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine. Their research has significantly contributed to our understanding of gene regulation and its role in human health and disease, marking a major milestone in the field of genetics.
