World

US Scientists Honored With 2024 Nobel Prize In Medicine For MicroRNA Innovation

In a significant recognition of groundbreaking research, the Nobel Assembly at Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet has awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their pioneering work on microRNA and its crucial function in regulating gene expression after transcription.

The duo’s discovery revealed a pivotal principle of gene activity regulation, introducing microRNA as a new class of small RNA molecules integral to gene regulation.

Their research uncovered a novel dimension of gene regulation, vital for the development and functioning of multicellular organisms, including humans.

Their investigations demonstrated that the human genome encodes over a thousand distinct microRNAs, which play essential roles in organismal development and physiological processes.

Nobel Assembly Highlights MicroRNAs’ Role In Gene Regulation

The Nobel Assembly emphasized the importance of their findings, stating, “Whereas proteins in the nucleus regulate RNA transcription and splicing, microRNAs control the translation and degradation of mRNA in the cytoplasm.”

This groundbreaking insight highlights an unforeseen layer of post-transcriptional gene regulation that is crucial throughout animal development and in various adult cell types, underscoring its significance for complex multicellular life.

As part of their recognition, Ambros and Ruvkun will share a monetary award of 11 million Swedish crowns, equivalent to approximately $1.1 million.

Victor Ambros, born in 1953 in New Hampshire, completed his PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1979, where he continued his postdoctoral research until 1985.

He currently holds the position of Silverman Professor of Natural Science at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Meanwhile, Gary Ruvkun, born in California in 1952, earned his PhD from Harvard University in 1982 and is currently a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is conferred annually by the assembly of 50 professors at the Karolinska Institutet to honor individuals who have made substantial contributions to medicine, benefiting humanity at large.

Also Read: PM Modi Reaffirms Maldives’ Key Role In India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ & SAGAR Vision

Mankrit Kaur

Recent Posts

Pope Francis Funeral: President Murmu & PM Modi Pay Final Tributes

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, was laid to rest in a humble ceremony…

29 mins ago

Man Arrested For Raping Six-Year-Old Girl In Bihar’s Vaishali District

The Bihar police have taken swift action in arresting a man accused of raping a…

1 hour ago

PM Modi Distributes Over 51,000 Appointment Letters In 15th Rozgar Mela

PM Modi distributed 51,236 appointment letters to newly-recruited candidates in central government departments and organisations…

4 hours ago

Indian Embassy In Berlin Holds Memorial For Pahalgam Terror Victims

The Indian Embassy in Berlin organised a solemn memorial service to honour the victims of…

5 hours ago

Joe Jonas Reflects On Disconnecting From Technology And Reliving Childhood

Pop star Joe Jonas recently performed his latest single, Heart by Heart, to a phone-free…

5 hours ago

Chennai Super Kings’ Struggles Continue As Sunrisers Hyderabad Secure Crucial Win

CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has openly acknowledged the team's ongoing struggles in the 2025…

5 hours ago