U.S. scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their revolutionary discovery of microRNA, a tiny molecule that plays a critical role in gene regulation. Their work has greatly expanded our understanding of how multicellular organisms grow and develop, explaining how cells, despite having the same genetic material, can differentiate into specialized types like muscle and nerve cells.
The Nobel Assembly praised Ambros and Ruvkun for uncovering “a completely new principle of gene regulation,” which is fundamental to the development and function of complex organisms. MicroRNA is now recognized as a key player in this process, acting as a communication network among genes that allows cells to create complex structures and functions. Ambros, a professor at UMass Chan Medical School, and Ruvkun, a professor at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, worked together closely in this research, forming a deep partnership that has lasted for decades.
From Humble Beginnings to Nobel-Worthy Discoveries
Ambros and Ruvkun began their work in the late 1980s while conducting postdoctoral studies under Nobel laureate Robert Horvitz. They initially studied microRNA in the tiny roundworm C. elegans, observing how the molecule controlled tissue and organ growth. At first, their findings were met with skepticism, as many believed the microRNA mechanism was specific only to the worm. However, Ruvkun’s later research, published in 2000, demonstrated that microRNA is a fundamental part of genetic regulation across all animal species, showing that this mechanism has existed for over 500 million years.
This discovery was a turning point in molecular biology, shedding light on how cells can take on various forms and functions. The understanding of microRNA’s role has led to new insights into diseases, including conditions like epilepsy, and is likely to pave the way for future medical advancements.
MicroRNA’s Role in the Building Blocks of Life
MicroRNA is integral to gene regulation, particularly in the process of translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins, the essential building blocks of life. When mRNA is decoded, it provides instructions for making these proteins, but microRNA ensures that this process is regulated correctly. This insight builds on the foundation laid by previous research on mRNA, including work that won the 2023 Nobel Prize for its role in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
The 2024 prize celebrates this leap in basic biological understanding, with Professor Gunilla Karlsson Hedestam from the Karolinska Institute noting that Ambros and Ruvkun’s work has broad potential for future applications. The discoveries are expected to enhance the understanding of a wide range of diseases and conditions in the years to come.
A Prestigious Recognition
The Nobel Prize in Medicine is one of the most prestigious honors in the world, awarded annually by the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. This year’s prize comes with a monetary award of 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.1 million), to be shared by Ambros and Ruvkun.
Since 1901, the Nobel Prizes have recognized groundbreaking achievements in science, literature, and peace, honoring luminaries such as Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, and Ivan Pavlov, known for his work on conditioned reflexes. Ambros and Ruvkun now join this illustrious list of scientists whose discoveries have profoundly influenced the world.
