US Scientists Victor, Gary Awarded Nobel Prize in Medicine

AFP/APP

Stockholm: US scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA and its pivotal role in gene regulation. The Nobel jury recognized their achievement as a significant advancement in understanding how gene activity is regulated, a goal that has eluded researchers for decades.

The jury emphasized the importance of their work, stating, “If gene regulation goes awry, it can lead to serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or autoimmunity.” Their research revealed a completely new principle of gene regulation essential for multicellular organisms, including humans.

Conducting their studies independently yet collaboratively, Ambros and Ruvkun focused on the roundworm C. elegans, measuring just one millimeter in length, to investigate why cell mutations occur. They discovered microRNA, a novel class of tiny RNA molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation by allowing each cell to select only the relevant genetic instructions.

Their findings were published in two articles in 1993, introducing a new and unexpected mechanism of gene regulation. Thomas Perlmann, secretary general of the Nobel Assembly, noted, “MicroRNAs are important for our understanding of embryological development, normal cell physiology, and diseases such as cancer.”

Victor Ambros, 70, is a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, while Gary Ruvkun, 72, holds a professorship at Harvard Medical School.

The duo will receive their Nobel Prize, which includes a diploma, a gold medal, and a $1 million cheque, from King Carl XVI Gustaf in Stockholm on December 10. This date marks the anniversary of the 1896 death of Alfred Nobel, who established the prizes in his last will and testament.

Last year, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman for their contributions to messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which played a crucial role in developing Covid-19 vaccines.

The Nobel season continues this week, with the winners of the physics prize to be announced on Tuesday, followed by the chemistry prize on Wednesday. Anticipation builds for the literature prize on Thursday and the peace prize on Friday, concluding with the economics prize on Monday, October 14.

Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel Prizes have honored those who, in the words of Alfred Nobel, “conferred the greatest benefit on humankind,” highlighting significant advancements during times of global turmoil, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine and the looming climate crisis.