Font size:
Print
2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Context:
- The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun, two American scientists.
- They were honoured for discovering a tiny class of molecules known as microRNA, which play a key role in cellular development and protein production.
Role of MicroRNAs in Cellular Development:
- MicroRNAs are a class of ribonucleic acid molecules (RNA) that control the amount and type of protein produced by cells.
- These molecules are present in both cells and the bloodstream, and are essential for the development and functioning of multicellular organisms, including humans.
Groundbreaking Discovery in Gene Regulation:
Their discovery of microRNAs revealed a new principle of gene regulation that explains how different cell types, such as muscle or nerve cells, behave differently even though they share the same DNA.
Function of MicroRNAs in Protein Production:
- MicroRNAs work by attaching to messenger RNA (mRNA), either destroying them or delaying protein production.
- This process determines the unique protein production in each cell type, such as muscle cells or nerve cells.
Research and Impact on Understanding Multicellular Organisms:
- Their research involved the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, a tiny organism with specialised cell types like those found in larger animals, including humans.
- This study helped understand how tissues develop and mature in multicellular organisms.
Diseases Linked to MicroRNAs:
- MicroRNAs play a vital role in preventing diseases. When they fail, they may contribute to conditions like cancer or congenital disorders such as hearing loss and skeletal issues.
- Recognition of Long-Term Scientific Contributions: Ambros and Ruvkun’s work was published in 1993 in the Cell journal, marking a significant contribution to molecular biology over the last few decades.
Connection to Previous Nobel Prize:
In 2023, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to scientists who developed mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, demonstrating the continued importance of RNA research in medical advancements.