An surprising discovery regarding gene regulation has earned Victor Ambros from the College of Massachusetts Chan Medical Faculty and Gary Ruvkun from Harvard Medical Faculty the 2024 Nobel Prize in physiology or medication. The duo’s analysis recognized small RNA segments, often known as microRNAs, which play a big position in regulating protein manufacturing within the physique. This discovery, originating from their work with a tiny worm, has supplied essential insights into organic processes linked to well being and illness.
MicroRNA’s Position in Gene Regulation
MicroRNAs are tiny RNA molecules that assist regulate gene expression by affecting the manufacturing of proteins. On this course of, microRNAs latch onto messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries directions from DNA to make proteins. By clinging to mRNA, microRNAs forestall the interpretation of these directions, lowering the quantity of protein produced. As a substitute of appearing as an on/off change, these molecules perform extra like dimmers, subtly lowering protein manufacturing.
Early Discoveries in Worms
Ambros and Ruvkun’s analysis started in Caenorhabditis elegans, a small, clear worm. Their focus was on two genes, lin-4 and lin-14, which performed a key position within the worm’s growth. Ambros initially found a small RNA section related to the lin-4 gene. It turned out to be the primary recognized microRNA. Ruvkun later demonstrated that the lin-4 microRNA binds to the mRNA of the lin-14 gene, lowering the manufacturing of its corresponding protein.
Impression on Human Well being
MicroRNAs have been initially regarded as particular to worms, however subsequent analysis revealed they’re current throughout the animal kingdom, together with people. This discovery has opened up new avenues of analysis into how these small RNAs affect human well being, with potential functions in treating ailments like most cancers, coronary heart illness, and neurodegenerative situations.
