Victor Ambros is an American molecular biologist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of gene regulation. He was born in 1953 in Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.
2. What is the significance of the Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun?
The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. This discovery has significantly impacted our understanding of how genes are regulated in multicellular organisms.
3. What is microRNA, and how does it function?
MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of small RNA molecules that play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. They bind to complementary sequences on target mRNA molecules, preventing their translation into proteins. This mechanism is essential for controlling gene expression and ensuring proper cellular development.
4. How did Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun make this groundbreaking discovery?
Ambros and Ruvkun were postdoctoral fellows in the laboratory of Robert Horvitz. During their research, they studied the regulation of the lin-14 gene in a roundworm. They discovered that a small RNA molecule, lin-4, inhibited the production of lin-14 protein by binding to its mRNA. This finding revealed a new principle of gene regulation mediated by miRNA.
5. What were the initial reactions to their discovery?
The initial results were met with almost deafening silence from the scientific community. The unusual mechanism of gene regulation was considered a peculiarity of the roundworm and not relevant to other organisms. However, further experiments confirmed the significance of miRNA in gene regulation across different species.
6. What impact has the discovery of microRNA had on scientific research and medicine?
The discovery of microRNA has profoundly impacted our understanding of gene regulation and has led to significant advancements in various fields of medicine. It has opened new avenues for treating diseases by targeting specific miRNAs involved in disease pathways.
7. What are some of the notable achievements of Victor Ambros?
Victor Ambros has had a distinguished career in molecular biology. He received his PhD from MIT and became a Principal Investigator at Harvard University. He is currently the Silverman Professor of Natural Science at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
8. What are the implications of this discovery for future research?
The discovery of microRNA has set the stage for further research into the complex mechanisms of gene regulation. It has also highlighted the importance of studying non-coding RNAs, which are increasingly recognized as crucial elements in cellular processes.
9. How will Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun be recognized for their achievement?
Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun will receive their Nobel Prize at an awards ceremony in Sweden in December. The prize comes with a cash award of 11 million Swedish kroner, nearly 976,000.
