The 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine has been awarded to American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA, a previously unknown genetic switch that could lead to significant medical breakthroughs. Despite the development of treatments and tests using microRNAs against various illnesses, none have yet reached patients.
The concept is simple: every cell in the human body contains the same set of DNA instructions. However, cells determine their specific roles through gene regulation. MicroRNA functions as a switch that turns other genes on or off, revealing a new level of control that had been missed by science.
The discovery was made by Ambros and Ruvkun in the 1980s while working with roundworms called C. elegans. They compared their research and found the microRNA, which led to the realization that this genetic mechanism plays a crucial role in development and function across the animal kingdom.
Today, it’s believed that over 1,000 genes respond to microRNAs in the human body. While many new treatments and tests are undergoing trials, none have been widely made available yet. MicroRNAs hold promise for fighting cancer, with some acting as tumor suppressors and others inducing cell division.
The discovery also has potential applications in treating viruses, such as hepatitis C. However, microRNAs can be unstable, making them a challenge to work with. Scientists hope that future research will provide more insights into how microRNAs contribute to the complex structure and functions of both human bodies and brains.
Miska believes that microRNAs may play a role in the evolution of our species, particularly in the development of the human brain. The Nobel laureates’ discovery has sparked new interest in this area of research, promising exciting breakthroughs in medicine.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-of-microrna-may-change-the-fight-against-cancer/