Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun Win 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA, a new class of tiny RNA molecules crucial for gene regulation. The Nobel Prize committee announced this prestigious honor in Stockholm, Sweden.
Discovery in C. elegans
Ambros and Ruvkun’s research on the small worm C. elegans revealed a new principle of gene regulation essential for multicellular organisms, including humans. Despite its small size, C. elegans has many specialized cell types, making it a valuable model for studying tissue development.
Significance of microRNA
In 1993, the laureates published findings on a new level of gene regulation, significant throughout evolution. Gene regulation allows cells to select relevant instructions, ensuring correct gene activity. Misregulation can lead to diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Background of the Laureates
Victor Ambros was born in 1953 in Hanover, New Hampshire, and received his PhD from MIT. He is now a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Gary Ruvkun, born in 1952 in Berkeley, California, earned his PhD from Harvard and is a professor at Harvard Medical School.
Nobel Prize History
The medicine prize has been awarded 114 times to 227 laureates, with only 13 women recipients. The Nobel announcements continue with other categories throughout the week.
Doubts Revealed
Victor Ambros -: Victor Ambros is a scientist who studies how tiny molecules in our body help control genes. He is one of the people who discovered microRNA.
Gary Ruvkun -: Gary Ruvkun is another scientist who worked with Victor Ambros. Together, they found out how microRNA helps in controlling genes in living things.
Nobel Prize -: The Nobel Prize is a very famous award given to people who have made important discoveries or contributions in different fields like science, literature, and peace.
microRNA -: microRNA is a tiny molecule in our body that helps control which genes are turned on or off. This is important for how our cells work and develop.
C. elegans -: C. elegans is a small worm that scientists often use in research to learn about biology. It helps scientists understand how genes work in living things.
Gene regulation -: Gene regulation is the process of turning genes on and off. It is important because it helps cells do their specific jobs in the body.
Multicellular organisms -: Multicellular organisms are living things made up of many cells, like humans, animals, and plants. Each cell has a specific role to play.
Cancer -: Cancer is a disease where cells in the body grow uncontrollably. Understanding gene regulation can help prevent or treat cancer.