The Core Topic in Medicine Recognized by the Nobel Prize, 'MicroRNA' [AK Radio]

Major Roles Including Intracellular Gene Expression
New Horizons in Developing Treatments for Intractable Diseases

The Nobel Committee of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden has selected two American scientists as the recipients of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The laureates are Professor Victor Ambros from the University of Massachusetts and Professor Gary Ruvkun from Harvard University. They were honored with the Nobel Prize after 31 years in recognition of their discovery of microRNA present within cells in 1993.

The Nobel Committee announced this decision on Monday, October 7, at 6:30 PM Korean time. The committee evaluated that the discovery of microRNA fundamentally changed the understanding of gene regulation mechanisms and opened new research fields in physiology and medicine. They also added that this discovery presented innovative possibilities for developing disease treatments.

MicroRNA plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression within the cells of our body. If DNA is the blueprint containing the genetic information of living organisms, RNA plays an important role in the process of producing actual proteins based on this blueprint. In particular, microRNA functions like a quality controller that precisely regulates this process.

Life science experts often use the analogy of a factory production line to explain the function of microRNA. If DNA is likened to a product blueprint and RNA to the messenger delivering this blueprint to the actual production line, microRNA can be seen as the supervisor who manages and regulates the quality of this production process. If this precise regulatory process does not function properly, cells operate abnormally, which can lead to various diseases.

If microRNA does not function correctly, cells behave abnormally. This can lead to various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Therefore, accurately understanding and controlling the function of microRNA is expected to enable the development of new treatments for many diseases.

Professor Victor Ambros of the University of Massachusetts (left) and Professor Gary Ruvkun of Harvard University (right), recipients of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine [Image source=Reuters·Yonhap News]

So far, there are no commercialized therapies or pharmaceuticals directly utilizing microRNA. However, since the late 2010s, research and development of cancer and rare disease treatments have accelerated, and global pharmaceutical and biotech companies are showing great interest in this field. Especially in cancer treatment, new approaches using microRNA are gaining attention, and some studies have reported promising early results.

Meanwhile, a scientist from South Korea who has achieved world-class results in microRNA research is gaining attention. Professor Kim Bitnaeri of the Department of Life Sciences at Seoul National University has been studying how microRNA is produced since the early 2000s and was the first in the world to elucidate this process. Professor Kim’s research achievements were published in 2015 in the world’s most prestigious scientific journals, 'Cell' and 'Nature,' and have received high acclaim in the international academic community.

Professor Kim’s research is evaluated as having advanced the discovery made by Professors Ambros and Ruvkun, who received the Nobel Prize this time, by revealing the process of microRNA generation. This is regarded as a good example demonstrating the strength of Korean science, and expectations for the possibility of a Nobel Prize award to Korean scientists are rising.

RNA research has recently become a frequent topic for Nobel Prize awards. Last year, Professors Katalin Karik? and Drew Weissman from the University of Pennsylvania jointly received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their research on messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA technology played a key role in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and is expected to be utilized for developing new treatments for various diseases in the future.

Messenger RNA acts as a 'delivery person' that transmits genetic information from DNA to the cell’s protein synthesis factory. The mRNA technology applied in COVID-19 vaccines delivers only specific viral protein information to the human body to induce an immune response, which is considered an innovative approach different from traditional vaccine development methods.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

The importance of RNA research has long been recognized. In 2006, RNA researchers made history by simultaneously winning the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This was an important turning point officially acknowledging in the scientific community that RNA is not merely an intermediary between DNA and proteins but plays a central role in gene expression regulation.

This Nobel Prize in Medicine has once again confirmed the importance of RNA research, especially in the field of microRNA. Experts anticipate that research in this field will continue to have a significant impact on the advancement of medicine and life sciences. As the function of microRNA becomes better understood and controlled, it is expected to enable the development of new treatments for various intractable diseases, including cancer.

In South Korea, research by Professor Kim Bitnaeri and other scientists continues, raising expectations for the possibility of Korean scientists winning the Nobel Prize in Medicine in the future. The government and academia are voicing the need for continuous investment and support for basic science research. Emphasis is placed on the importance of long-term investment and support.

The discovery of microRNA and this Nobel Prize award exemplify how small molecules can have a profound impact in the field of life sciences. With increased attention to microRNA following the Nobel Prize, research and investment in this field are expected to become more active. It is hoped that this will pave the way for new medical breakthroughs that contribute to improving human health and quality of life.

MicroRNA research is still in its early stages, but its potential is immense. It is hoped that further development in this field will lead to innovations in treating intractable diseases, personalized medicine, and new diagnostic technologies. Following the Nobel Prize award, it is expected that more researchers worldwide will take an interest in this field and dedicate themselves to research. Ultimately, this will greatly contribute to enhancing human health and welfare.

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