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Updated: May 4, 2026
MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
microRNAs and the mammary gland: A new understanding of gene expression
Isabel Gigli1, Daniel Omar Maizon2
1Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de La Pampa, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina .
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in cells as well as in exosomes in biological fluids such as milk. In mammary gland, most of the miRNAs studied have functions related to immunity and show alterations in their pattern of expression during lactation. In mastitis, the inflammatory response caused by Streptococcus uberis alters the expression of miRNAs that may regulate the innate immune system. These small RNAs are stable at room temperature and are resistant to repeated freeze/thaw cycles, acidic conditions and degradation by RNAse, making them resistant to industrial procedures. These properties mean that miRNAs could have multiple applications in veterinary medicine and biotechnology. Indeed, lactoglobulin-free milk has been produced in transgenic cows expressing specific miRNAs. Although plant and animal miRNAs have undergone independent evolutionary adaptation recent studies have demonstrated a cross-kingdom passage in which rice miRNA was isolated from human serum. This finding raises questions about the possible effect that miRNAs present in foods consumed by humans could have on human gene regulation. Further studies are needed before applying miRNA biotechnology to the milk industry. New discoveries and a greater knowledge of gene expression will lead to a better understanding of the role of miRNAs in physiology, nutrition and evolution.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in milk are stable and linked to immunity, with potential applications in veterinary medicine. Their presence in food raises questions about human gene regulation and requires further research.
Area of Science:
- * Molecular Biology
- * Genetics
- * Biotechnology
Background:
- * MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are found in cells and exosomes within biological fluids like milk.
- * Many milk miRNAs are involved in immunity and change expression during lactation.
- * Mastitis alters miRNA expression, impacting the innate immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To explore the stability and potential applications of milk miRNAs.
- * To investigate the implications of cross-kingdom miRNA transfer from food to humans.
- * To understand the role of miRNAs in milk's physiology, nutrition, and evolution.
Main Methods:
- * Literature review on miRNA expression in mammary glands and during lactation.
- * Analysis of miRNA stability under various conditions (temperature, pH, RNAse).
- * Examination of cross-kingdom miRNA passage studies (e.g., plant miRNA in human serum).
Main Results:
- * Milk miRNAs are highly stable, resisting degradation and industrial processing.
- * Specific miRNAs are altered during mastitis, suggesting immune regulation.
- * Transgenic cows can produce milk with specific miRNAs.
- * Evidence of cross-kingdom miRNA passage exists, with plant miRNAs found in human serum.
Conclusions:
- * The stability and functional roles of milk miRNAs suggest significant potential in veterinary medicine and biotechnology.
- * The cross-kingdom passage of miRNAs from consumed food into humans warrants further investigation regarding gene regulation.
- * Additional research is crucial for advancing miRNA applications in the dairy industry and understanding their broader biological roles.
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Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...