2024 Nobel prize in Medicine won by Ambros and Ruvkun for microRNA discovery

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine has been awarded to American biologists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their pioneering discovery of microRNA and its essential role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm announced the award, highlighting that their findings are proving to be fundamentally important for understanding how organisms develop and function. MicroRNA is a small, non-coding RNA molecule that plays a critical role in regulating gene expression.

Ambros and Ruvkun's research has revealed how these molecules act as regulatory switches, allowing cells to control which genes are activated or silenced. This process is crucial for cellular differentiation, enabling different types of cells—such as muscle, nerve, and skin cells—to perform specialized functions despite having the same genetic material. Their discovery has provided insight into the mechanisms underlying various biological processes and diseases, including cancer, where microRNA dysregulation can lead to tumorigenesis.

The significance of this discovery extends beyond basic biology; it has implications for medical research and therapeutic interventions. Understanding how microRNA influences gene expression can pave the way for innovative treatments for a range of conditions, from genetic disorders to chronic diseases. The Nobel Assembly emphasized that this research has fundamentally changed our perception of gene regulation and cellular behavior, marking a significant milestone in the field of molecular biology.

This year’s Nobel Prize comes with a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.1 million), as part of a bequest from Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor and philanthropist. The winners will receive their awards on December 10, commemorating the anniversary of Nobel's death. As the first Nobel Prize announcement of the year, it sets the stage for the remaining categories, with the Physics Prize to be revealed on Tuesday, followed by Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economics throughout the week.

The recognition of Ambros and Ruvkun's work continues the tradition of honoring transformative contributions to science. Last year, the prize was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their groundbreaking research that enabled the development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.