The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to American researchers Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their pioneering discovery of microRNA, a vital molecular mechanism that plays a key role in regulating gene activity. This breakthrough has proven to be fundamental in understanding how organisms develop and function, with wide-reaching implications across medicine and biology.

The Nobel Assembly lauded Ambros and Ruvkun's work, describing it as “a discovery that has transformed our understanding of gene regulation, paving the way for advancements in health, disease treatment, and developmental biology.”

Groundbreaking Research Origins
Victor Ambros, who carried out the foundational research at Harvard University, is currently a professor of natural science at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Gary Ruvkun conducted his Nobel-recognized research at Massachusetts General Hospital and is now a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School.

Their discovery of microRNA has revolutionized the understanding of molecular biology, offering insights into genetic control mechanisms that affect everything from early development to disease progression. By identifying these small RNA molecules, Ambros and Ruvkun have opened new pathways for potential treatments of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and other genetic conditions.

Building on a Legacy of Excellence in Medical Research
This prestigious recognition follows last year’s Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, whose groundbreaking work in mRNA technology played a critical role in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, helping to mitigate the devastating global pandemic.

Speaking about this year’s announcement, Thomas Perlmann, Secretary-General of the Nobel Committee, remarked: “This year’s prize not only honors a significant scientific discovery but also highlights the importance of basic research in driving revolutionary applications for human health."