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Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have been awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA, a crucial regulator of gene activity. This discovery sheds new light on the intricate process of gene regulation and how it shapes human cells.
The two American scientists have spent years unraveling the mysteries of microRNA, a class of molecules that play a significant role in limiting protein production within cells. Through their research spanning hundreds of millions of years, Ambros and Ruvkun have unlocked a new dimension in gene regulation that has far-reaching implications for our understanding of cellular development and function.
The Nobel Prize committee made the official announcement of this year’s laureates in Sweden on Monday, commending Ambros and Ruvkun for their pioneering work. The committee highlighted the impact of their discovery, stating that it has opened up new avenues for research and deepened our knowledge of how genes are controlled within cells.
Victor Ambros, a professor of natural sciences at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, spearheaded the groundbreaking study that led to this prestigious award. Meanwhile, Gary Ruvkun, a genetics professor at Harvard Medical School, conducted his research at Massachusetts General Hospital, contributing significantly to the field of gene regulation and microRNA.
During the announcement of the Nobel Prize in medicine, Nobel Committee Secretary General Thomas Perlmann praised the work of Ambros and Ruvkun, emphasizing the importance of their findings in the field of genetics and cell biology. He explained how gene regulation is crucial in determining the unique characteristics of different cell types and ensuring that the appropriate genes are activated in each cell.
The study of gene regulation and microRNA has shed light on the evolution of complex organisms and how errors in gene regulation can lead to diseases such as cancer, hearing loss, and bone abnormalities in both humans and animals. Ambros and Ruvkun’s research has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms that control gene expression and how these processes contribute to the diverse functions of different cell types.
Their initial investigations focused on the tiny roundworm C. elegans, a model organism that shares many characteristics with more complex animals, making it an ideal subject for studying tissue development and maturation. Ambros discovered the first microRNA in C. elegans in 1993, but it was not until Ruvkun found a similar molecule in another animal species that the significance of their discovery became apparent.
The subsequent explosion of research in the field of microRNA led to the identification of tens of thousands of these molecules across various species, highlighting their importance in gene regulation and cellular function. The work of Ambros and Ruvkun has paved the way for new discoveries in genetics and molecular biology, laying the foundation for future research in this exciting field.
In recognition of their groundbreaking contribution to the field of medicine, Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun will receive the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine and a prize of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million). Their work has revolutionized our understanding of gene regulation and provided valuable insights into the intricate processes that shape human cells and organisms.
