Nobel Prize in Medicine 2024 Awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for Discovery of MicroRNA

This year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their pioneering discovery of microRNA, a small molecule that plays a vital role in regulating gene activity. The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm made the announcement today. Their discovery of microRNA has revealed a previously unknown mechanism in gene regulation, offering new insights into how genes are expressed and function in multicellular organisms, including humans.

MicroRNAs, which are tiny RNA molecules, have been found to influence the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. This discovery transformed the understanding of how genetic information is processed and utilized within cells. MicroRNAs are now known to be responsible for regulating the expression of over a thousand genes in the human genome. This breakthrough has uncovered an additional layer of complexity in biological processes, making it essential for the development, growth, and function of living organisms.

Ambros and Ruvkun's work highlights the intricate systems that govern life at the molecular level, opening new pathways for research in genetics, development, and disease. Their groundbreaking findings have provided crucial knowledge that could potentially lead to advancements in medical science, including therapies for genetic disorders and diseases linked to gene regulation errors.

The Nobel Prize, which is considered the most prestigious honor in the scientific community, includes a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately Rs 8.3 crore). The award ceremony will be held on December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the prize's founder.

This year's announcement follows the 2023 Nobel Prize, which was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking work on mRNA vaccines, a vital development in the fight against COVID-19.

The Nobel announcements will continue throughout the week, covering physics, chemistry, literature, peace, and economics categories.