Nobel laureate highlights discovery of microRNA and its role in gene regulation

A recent Nobel laureate discussed the unexpected discovery of microRNA, tiny molecules that regulate gene expression. Initially, researchers were focused on identifying genes linked to developmental abnormalities, unaware that such small regulators existed. The discovery process involved studying a simple organism with about a thousand cells. Researchers found that a small DNA segment produced a 22-nucleotide RNA, revealing a new layer of genetic regulation. This finding led to the identification of more microRNAs over time. Collaboration among scientists was crucial in this research. Recent studies have linked mutations in Argonaute proteins, which interact with microRNAs, to intellectual disabilities. Ongoing partnerships aim to explore potential treatments for these conditions.