Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

09:02
Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation
Published on: February 15, 2018
[Progress on miRNA in mammal breast milk]
Xue-Mei Song1, Jun-Fang Jiang, Yong-Qing Jiang
1Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultral Scicences, Hangzhou 310021, China. songxuemei@yeah.net
Yi Chuan = Hereditas
|October 27, 2012
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are found in mammal milk, suggesting they can transfer to offspring via lactation. This opens new research avenues into generational miRNA regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Context:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators in eukaryotes.
- miRNAs are present in various animal body fluids like serum, plasma, saliva, and urine.
- Recent findings show miRNAs also exist in human and cow breast milk.
Purpose:
- To introduce the methods for detecting and isolating miRNAs in mammal milk.
- To describe the format of miRNAs within milk.
- To review the functions of specific milk miRNAs.
Summary:
- This study details the identification and isolation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mammal milk.
- It explores the structure of milk miRNAs and reviews the roles of several key miRNAs.
- The research highlights the potential for miRNA transfer to offspring through lactation.
Impact:
- Establishes milk miRNAs as a potential mechanism for intergenerational molecular transfer.
- Suggests a new paradigm for studying regulatory functions of miRNAs across generations.
- Identifies future research directions and challenges in the field of milk miRNAs.
Related Concept Videos
MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
MicroRNAs
MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...

