MicroRNA Pioneers Win Nobel Prize in Medicine (nobelprize.org) 2
American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine on Monday for discovering microRNA, tiny molecules that regulate gene expression. Their groundbreaking work in the 1990s revealed a new layer of genetic control, opening fresh avenues for understanding human development and disease.
Ambros first identified microRNA in 1993, while Ruvkun later found similar molecules in humans and other species. These RNA fragments, about 100 times smaller than typical messenger RNA, can silence genes and fine-tune protein production. The discovery has spurred research into potential treatments for cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Several biotechnology companies are now developing drugs that target or mimic microRNAs.
Ambros first identified microRNA in 1993, while Ruvkun later found similar molecules in humans and other species. These RNA fragments, about 100 times smaller than typical messenger RNA, can silence genes and fine-tune protein production. The discovery has spurred research into potential treatments for cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Several biotechnology companies are now developing drugs that target or mimic microRNAs.
Freakogenomics (Score:2, Flamebait)
Re: (Score:1)
You're joking, but injectable microrna using the same tech as RNA vaccines could be life-saving.
There's a lot of problems, especially cancers, caused by dysregulated genes. If we could re-regulate them by injecting a bunch of RNA snippets encased in a gold sheath to be absorbed by the troublesome cells, we might be able to do some great things.
In fact, I bet it's already in-trial for a lot of things and I don't know what literature to read to find out why it doesn't work.