Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun are credited with the discovery of small RNA, specifically microRNA (miRNA).
Their work, primarily focused on developmental biology, revealed the existence and function of these tiny RNA molecules, which play a crucial role in gene regulation. Let's delve a bit deeper:
The Discovery Context
Ambros and Ruvkun were investigating how different cell types develop and differentiate during an organism's life cycle. Their research led them to lin-4 in C. elegans, a gene crucial for larval development.
Key Findings
- Victor Ambros (specifically with Rosalind Lee and Rhonda Feinbaum) discovered that lin-4 encoded a small RNA molecule, not a protein. This was unexpected, as genes were traditionally thought to code for proteins. This finding was published in Cell in 1993.
- Gary Ruvkun's lab independently found a similar small RNA involved in developmental timing, let-7. This discovery further solidified the importance of small RNAs.
- These small RNAs regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, preventing them from being translated into proteins. This process is known as RNA interference (RNAi).
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of miRNA revolutionized the field of molecular biology. These small RNA molecules are now known to:
- Regulate gene expression in diverse biological processes, including development, differentiation, and cell signaling.
- Play a role in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders.
- Serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Summary
Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun's groundbreaking work identified microRNAs as a novel class of gene regulators, significantly impacting our understanding of gene expression and paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
