NEW: UMass Researcher Wins Janssen Award
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Johnson & Johnson presented the award, honoring Ambros' co-discovery of microRNA, which plays a major role in gene expression and regulation. Ambros teamed with Gary B. Ruvkun, PhD, of Massachusetts General Hospital on the discovery. The award was announced during an event at the Biotechnology Industry Organization International Convention in Boston.
Johnson & Johnson created the award to honor the legacy of Dr. Paul Janssen, whose work led to breakthroughs in pain management, psychiatry, infectious disease and gastroenterology. Dr. Janssen and his team discovered four drugs which are still listed on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines.
This is the second time in six years that a UMass Medical School scientist has been recognized by the Janssen Award selection committee. UMass Medical School professor and Nobel Laureate Craig C. Mello won the inaugural Janssen Award in 2006.
“Victor is one of the great pioneers of microRNA and an integral member of an exceptional community of RNA researchers here at UMass Medical School,” commented Chancellor Michael F. Collins. “Together, these faculty are advancing the world’s understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms and furthering the field of biomedical sciences.”
MicroRNAs
MicroRNAs were discovered in 1993, but it took many years to understand their important role in human disease.
“Victor’s pioneering discovery of microRNA occurred at a time when the field was not mentally prepared to understand its full significance. We now know that microRNAs have key functions in a variety of human diseases, ranging from hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol) to cancer,” said Terence R. Flotte, MD, executive Deputy Chancellor, Provost, and Dean of the School of Medicine.
Since the discovery of microRNAs, these regulatory molecules have been implicated in a wide range of activities, including embryonic development, blood-cell specialization, muscle function, heart disease and viral infections.
“It’s a very active and exciting field. Ten years ago, we knew nothing about this aspect of biology. Now, practically any scientist studying problems in biology will be interested in microRNA,” commented Dr. Ambros, the Silverman Chair in Natural Sciences and professor in the Program in Molecular Medicine at UMass Medical School in Worcester.
Working independently, Dr. Ambros and Dr. Ruvkun led the groups that identified the first microRNA and the first microRNA target. Dr. Ambros’ lab yielded the discovery of the first microRNA and Dr. Ruvkun’s lab identified how that microRNA regulates its target messenger.
Working together, they demonstrated that the microRNA inactivates its target through direct, base-pairing interactions. MicroRNAs have been linked to cancer and identified as regulators of numerous other developmental events in both plants and animals. As a result of this discovery, researchers are now exploring microRNAs for use in diagnosis and prognosis, as well as potential therapies.
“We are honored to join the distinguished list of past awardees,” said Ambros. “This award, however, is really about celebrating the enterprise of science, rather than the individual. It’s an award that recognizes accomplishments in the act of doing science, rather than accomplishments based on individual talent.”
The winners of the Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research are chosen by an independent committee of renowned scientists, including Nobel Laureates and Lasker Prize winners. The Award, which includes a $100,000 prize, will be presented to Ambros and Ruvkun in a ceremony followed by a scientific symposium at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York on September 7.
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