Discovery of MicroRNA Wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology for Gene Regulation Breakthrough

Victor Ambros from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and Gary Ruvkun from Harvard Medical School have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their unexpected discovery concerning gene regulation. Their research identified microRNAs, small RNA segments that play a crucial role in regulating protein production in the body. This groundbreaking discovery, which originated from their work with a tiny worm, has provided significant insights into biological processes related to health and disease.

MicroRNA’s Role in Gene Regulation

MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that help control gene expression by influencing protein production. These molecules bind to messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic instructions from DNA to synthesize proteins. By attaching to mRNA, microRNAs prevent the translation of these instructions, thus reducing the amount of protein produced. Instead of turning genes completely on or off, microRNAs act more like dimmers, subtly modulating the level of protein production.

Early Discoveries in Worms

The research by Ambros and Ruvkun began with the study of a small, transparent worm called Caenorhabditis elegans. They focused on two genes, lin-4 and lin-14, which were crucial for the worm’s development. Ambros discovered a small RNA segment associated with the lin-4 gene, which turned out to be the first identified microRNA. Ruvkun then demonstrated that the lin-4 microRNA binds to the mRNA of the lin-14 gene, reducing the production of its corresponding protein.

Impact on Human Health

Initially, microRNAs were thought to be specific to worms, but later research revealed that these molecules are present across the animal kingdom, including in humans. This discovery has opened new research pathways into how microRNAs impact human health, with potential applications in treating diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.