US scientists Gary Ruvkun and Victor Ambros have just been honored with the Nobel Prize in Medicine 2024 for their discovery of microRNA, small molecules that play a critical role in gene regulation.

This discovery has opened up new dimensions in understanding how genes work and has revolutionized the medical and biological fields.

Ruvkun expressed his excitement, saying that winning the Nobel was like an “earthquake.”

What is microRNA, and Why is it Important?

Gene regulation is a vital process in the human body. It allows each cell to activate the right instructions from the genes to perform its specific function.

This regulation ensures that only the necessary genes are used in each cell type, like nerve cells or muscle cells.

If gene regulation goes wrong, it can lead to severe conditions like cancer, diabetes, and many others.

The Nobel Prize in Medicine 2024 was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for discovering microRNA, which controls how genes are expressed in cells.

Ambros and Ruvkun’s work showed that microRNA helps different cells in the body decide which instructions to follow, making it a crucial part of gene regulation.

The Earthquake Moment: Ruvkun’s Reaction

Receiving a call from the Nobel committee in the early hours of Monday, Gary Ruvkun humorously compared the experience to an “earthquake.”

Ruvkun, a professor at Harvard Medical School, was surprised and thrilled by the recognition.

He mentioned how his dog was confused about why everyone was so excited in the dark early morning hours as the news spread.

Excited about attending the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm this December, Ruvkun said he had been to the event several times before and humorously added that although people don’t usually see scientists as “party animals,” they certainly are when it comes to celebrations like these.

Ambros’ Surprising Moment

While Ruvkun was personally informed by the committee, his fellow laureate Victor Ambros found out through an unexpected source—a Swedish reporter who broke the news to him!

Ambros, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, was just as surprised, responding with: “Wow, that’s incredible!”

The two scientists, who collaborated but worked separately, have spent their careers unraveling the secrets of gene regulation through microRNA, a discovery that has reshaped modern biology and medicine.

From Small Worms to Big Discoveries

Ambros and Ruvkun’s Nobel-winning research started with a tiny organism called C. elegans, a roundworm only about 1 millimeter in length.

Despite its small size, C. elegans has many types of specialized cells like those found in larger, more complex animals.

By studying this worm, the scientists were able to uncover how tissues develop and how cells decide which genes to use.

Ambros first discovered microRNA in 1993, but at the time, it was thought to be unique to this little worm.

For years, the scientific community didn’t believe that it had any relevance to human biology. But Ruvkun soon proved that microRNAs exist in many different animals, including humans.

With this second discovery, the field of microRNA research exploded.

Today, more than tens of thousands of microRNAs have been identified in various organisms, revolutionizing our understanding of how cells work and leading to potential breakthroughs in treating diseases.

A New Era of Gene Regulation

The discovery of microRNA was not just a small breakthrough—it opened a new chapter in genetics.

These tiny molecules regulate gene expression, controlling which proteins are made in the cell and when. This process is critical for the development and functioning of organisms.

Without proper gene regulation, diseases such as cancer can occur. This is why the work of Ambros and Ruvkun is so significant.

It helps scientists understand why certain cells behave abnormally and provides new strategies for treating genetic diseases.

The Impact of microRNA in Medicine

Today, the discovery of microRNA offers new ways to treat diseases. Scientists are now exploring how microRNAs can be used as diagnostic tools and even therapies for various conditions, including cancer.

Researchers are conducting clinical trials to determine how microRNA profiles could be used to predict patient outcomes and tailor personalized treatments.

The Nobel committee recognized the importance of this discovery, stating that Ambros and Ruvkun’s work had revealed “an entirely new dimension to gene regulation,” which has influenced biology and medicine for decades to come.

A Long-Awaited Nobel Recognition

The scientific community had long anticipated that Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun would win a Nobel Prize for their discovery.

According to David Pendlebury, a top research analyst, the field of microRNA research has advanced so much that it was only a matter of time before Ambros and Ruvkun were recognized for their contributions.

Their discovery offers a new understanding of gene regulation, which is crucial for developing therapies to combat life-threatening diseases.

A Brief History of Nobel in Medicine

The Nobel Prize in Medicine is awarded to those who make discoveries that significantly improve our understanding of life and health.

Last year’s prize was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their work on mRNA vaccines, which played a vital role in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

This year’s award for the discovery of microRNA is another major milestone in scientific history. It shines a light on how cells control their internal processes and the role this control plays in our overall health.

The Nobel Prize Gala Awaits

Ruvkun is eager to attend the gala in Stockholm on December 10, when he and Victor Ambros will officially receive the prize.

The ceremony is a glamorous event where laureates are honored in the presence of Sweden’s royal family.

The Nobel Prize isn’t just about recognition—it’s about inspiring future generations to explore the unknown and push the boundaries of knowledge.

With discoveries like microRNA, the future of medicine looks more promising than ever.