November 13, 2024

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2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Discovery of MicroRNA

2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Discovery of MicroRNA: A Breakthrough with Potential in Cancer Diagnosis



2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Discovery of MicroRNA: A Breakthrough with Potential in Cancer Diagnosis

On October 7, the Karolinska Institute in Sweden announced that the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine will be awarded to Professor Victor Ambros (70) of the University of Massachusetts and Professor Gary Ruvkun (72) of Harvard University.

The prize recognizes their discovery of “microRNA” (miRNA) and their pioneering research on gene regulation through microRNA.

 

 

2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Discovery of MicroRNA: A Breakthrough with Potential in Cancer Diagnosis

 

Genetic information in organisms is stored in DNA. Through a process called “transcription,” specific genetic information is extracted from DNA to create messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA plays a crucial role in the production of proteins that are essential for various cellular activities, including the proper functioning of organs such as muscles, intestines, and neurons. Proper regulation of gene activity is vital because different organs require different proteins. Without appropriate regulation, organs may malfunction, potentially leading to severe diseases. Understanding this regulation has been a significant challenge in uncovering disease mechanisms and developing therapies.

 

Starting in the late 1980s, Professors Ambros and Ruvkun investigated how tissues develop in multicellular organisms using a small, thread-like organism called C. elegans (a type of nematode). They focused on genes that are expressed before proteins are produced. Professor Ambros discovered that a specific type of mutated DNA in the nematode could inhibit protein production. Together, they revealed that this DNA generates a short RNA molecule—microRNA—which then interferes with the function of mRNA. Their findings were published in 1993.

 

Subsequent research has shown that microRNA-mediated gene regulation is a common mechanism in multicellular organisms. MicroRNA has been linked to conditions like congenital deafness, eye diseases, and various types of cancer affecting different tissues.

 

Before the discovery of microRNA, these small RNA molecules were thought to be insignificant, incapable of being part of the blueprint for proteins. However, they turned out to be a crucial ‘brake’ on gene expression. Research is progressing worldwide on using microRNA replenishment for disease treatment, and it also holds potential for cancer diagnosis.

 

The Nobel Prize award ceremony will be held on December 10 in Stockholm, where the laureates will receive 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately 1.06 million U.S. Dollar).

2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Discovery of MicroRNA: A Breakthrough with Potential in Cancer Diagnosis


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(source:internet, reference only)

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