Why silence certain genes and how is it done? What is the pathway leading to scientific discovery? How are known biological mechanisms being turned into innovative drugs today? These were among the questions answered during his visit to Poland by Professor Craig Mello, Nobel Prize winner in physiology or medicine in 2006.

Discovery of gene silencing mechanism

In 2006, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to two American biologists – Craig C. Mello and Andrew Z. Fire – for the discovery of a gene silencing mechanism called RNA interference (RNAi). It makes it possible to block the expression of specific genes, which can be used to treat diseases caused by genetic defects, including cancer and rare diseases. The Nobel Committee recognised the enormous potential of this discovery, which continues to find new applications not only in many therapeutic areas, but also in plant and animal biotechnology.

Professor Craig Mello in Poland

The Nobel Prize winner’s visit was organised as part of the Nobel Prize Inspirational Initiative programme by Nobel Prize Outreach in cooperation with AstraZeneca Pharma Poland, with the participation of the Warsaw Medical University, the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and the University of Warsaw.

During the meeting in the Crystal Hall of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Prof Mello gave a lecture entitled ‘RNAi: A Molecular Spark in an Information Inferno’, in which he introduced the attendees to how many applications the discovery of RNA interference has found in modern medicine and science. The professor encouraged young scientists to overcome stereotypes. He emphasised the role of curiosity, which not only leads to the discovery of new phenomena, but also helps to persevere on the demanding scientific path. Among the participants at the meeting were students, scientists and representatives of the capital’s research institutes. A rebroadcast of the meeting is available on the SGGW YouTube channel

The event was opened by Dr Marta Mendel, Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Alina Pszczółkowska, AstraZeneca Country Vice President. The meeting was chaired by Adam Smith of Nobel Prize Outreach.

After the lecture, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions to the Nobel Prize winner, and then Prof Mello met with young scientists in the Rector’s Palace. Another highlight of the programme was an interview with a student from the Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Antonina Pryfer, who asked the Professor, among other things, about the biggest challenges accompanying the work on the discovery of the RNAi mechanism.

Vice-Rector for Internationalization, Dr Marta Mendel, after the meeting with Prof. Craig Mello, said:

The meeting with Professor Craig C. Mello was an extremely important event for our university. It was not only a unique opportunity to listen to a lecture by an outstanding scientist, but also an impulse to reflect on the role of science in the modern world. The discovery of the mechanism of RNA interference, for which Professor Mello was honoured with the Nobel Prize, is of great importance not only in medicine, but also in agriculture, veterinary medicine and biotechnology, which are close to the profile of our university. It was a unique opportunity for students and young researchers to ask questions, exchange thoughts, and hear the path to breakthrough discoveries from the perspective of their author. We are delighted that the Warsaw University of Life Sciences was able to be part of this international initiative. Such events are perfectly in line with our strategy of internationalisation – building bridges between scientific communities from different countries, promoting academic mobility and inspiring young people to act in a global context.