MicroRNAs are short segments of genetic material that, while not coding for proteins, play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by controlling the activity of other RNAs.
The discovery of microRNA represents a significant shift in our understanding of gene regulation, challenging the long-standing central dogma of molecular biology that only emphasizes the flow from DNA to RNA to protein.
Recognized with the 2024 Nobel Prize, Ambros and Ruvkun’s work underlines the importance of microRNAs not only in basic biology but also in their potential applicability in treating various diseases, including cancer.
MicroRNAs can regulate a substantial number of protein-coding RNAs, affecting numerous cellular pathways by silencing target genes, highlighting their role as master regulators of the genome.
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