STOCKHOLM, Sweden. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their revolutionary discovery of microRNA—tiny strands of genetic material that act as molecular switches in cells, controlling crucial functions that influence cell development and behavior. Their research has paved the way for potential future treatments for complex diseases, including cancer.
The Nobel committee in Stockholm announced that the duo’s work is “proving to be fundamentally important for how organisms develop and function,” marking a major leap in understanding gene regulation.
A New Dimension in Gene Regulation
MicroRNA, unlike other RNA molecules responsible for protein production, does not code for proteins. Instead, it regulates gene expression, turning specific genes on or off depending on cellular needs. This discovery has uncovered a previously unknown mechanism that allows organisms to adapt and evolve over millions of years.
The research that earned Ambros and Ruvkun the prestigious prize focused on studying the timing of cell development in Caenorhabditis elegans—a worm commonly used in genetic studies. Their investigation into the role of certain mutated genes led to the discovery of microRNA and its regulatory function, which has implications across all complex life forms, including humans.
“Their groundbreaking discovery revealed a completely new principle of gene regulation that turned out to be essential for multicellular organisms, including humans,” the Nobel committee said.
Ambros is currently a professor of natural science at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, while Ruvkun is a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Implications for Treating Diseases
MicroRNA’s ability to control cellular activity has opened up new avenues for medical research, particularly in the treatment of diseases like cancer. Dr. Claire Fletcher, a molecular oncology expert at Imperial College London, explained that microRNA can regulate how genes work in cells, which may help develop therapies that target diseases at the genetic level.
“If we take the example of cancer, we’ll have a particular gene working overtime, it might be mutated and working in overdrive,” said Fletcher. “Scientists might one day be able to use microRNA to stop such effects.”
Eric Miska, a geneticist at Cambridge University, described the discovery as “a complete surprise,” fundamentally changing how scientists understand cellular processes. He highlighted that there are at least 800 microRNAs in the human genome that are essential for cellular function.
The Scientists’ Reaction
Both Ambros and Ruvkun expressed their disbelief and excitement upon receiving the call from the Nobel committee. Ruvkun recounted the early morning phone call that changed his life: “Well, when a phone rings at 4:30 in the morning… it never happens here. My wife Natasha answered and said: ‘He has a Swedish accent.’”
Ruvkun reflected on the magnitude of winning the Nobel Prize: “I just kept repeating in my mind, this changes everything… The Nobel is a recognition that’s sort of 100 times as much press and celebration as any other award. It’s a quantum leap.”
Ambros, who was informed of the award through his son, expressed his surprise, especially since a Nobel Prize had already been awarded to RNA research in 2006. “It represents the recognition of how wonderful and unexpected discoveries come from a curiosity in basic science financed by taxpayer money. It’s a vitally important message that this investment really pays off,” he said.
Looking Ahead
MicroRNA research continues to be an exciting field, with ongoing studies exploring its role in treating neurological diseases and infectious diseases like hepatitis. While no microRNA-based drugs have been approved yet, experts predict that the field will lead to breakthroughs in the next decade.
Last year’s Nobel Prize in medicine was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their work on mRNA vaccines, which were crucial in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2024 award carries a cash prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1 million), funded by the bequest of Alfred Nobel.
The announcements of this year’s Nobel laureates will continue with the prize in physics on Tuesday, followed by chemistry on Wednesday and literature on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday, with the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences set for October 14.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
