This is a huge step for medicine.
Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their significant discovery of microRNA, small genetic molecules that play a key role in how genes regulate the development of the body. The Nobel committee recognized their research for uncovering a previously unknown layer of gene regulation, which is essential for the growth and function of all complex life forms, including humans. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for understanding how genes are controlled and may lead to advancements in treating diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Before their discovery, microRNA’s influence on gene regulation was unknown. Ambros and Ruvkun’s research revealed that these tiny molecules had been silently regulating genes for millions of years, influencing the evolution of more advanced organisms. The scientists discovered microRNA while studying the roundworm C. elegans in the 1990s. They found that microRNA could block specific genes, adding a new level of complexity to the understanding of gene regulation.
Initially, their discovery faced skepticism, with many in the scientific community doubting that microRNA played a significant role in more complex organisms. However, further research in the early 2000s confirmed that microRNA is indeed a universal mechanism for gene regulation across various species, including humans. This validation marked a major shift in the understanding of genetics and gene control.
Since then, thousands of different microRNAs have been identified, and researchers have learned that these molecules play an essential role in controlling many genes. A single microRNA can regulate multiple genes, and one gene can be influenced by several microRNAs. The discovery of microRNA has dramatically changed the way scientists view gene regulation and continues to drive new research into genetic diseases and their potential treatments.
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