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Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
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Recent insights into breast milk microRNA: their role as functional regulators
Yi-Ran Xu1,2, Jinglu Zhao1,2, Hsi-Yuan Huang1,2
1Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Frontiers in Nutrition
|May 1, 2024
Summary
Breast milk microRNAs (miRNAs) are absorbed by infants and function as regulators of gene expression. This absorption impacts infant development and offers potential for improved infant formula and drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast milk (BM) is vital for infant development and immune regulation.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in BM are resilient biomolecules crucial for infant growth.
- Absorbed BM miRNAs can regulate gene expression in the gastrointestinal system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for BM miRNA absorption.
- To illustrate the bioavailability and biodistribution of absorbed BM miRNAs.
- To evaluate existing studies and identify factors influencing miRNA absorption outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review integrating in vivo and in vitro findings.
- Analysis of studies on BM miRNA absorption, bioavailability, and biodistribution.
- Evaluation of study strengths, weaknesses, and outcome discrepancies.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the absorption of miRNAs from breast milk.
- Absorbed miRNAs demonstrate bioavailability and biodistribution within the infant.
- MiRNAs function as regulatory agents affecting gene expression post-absorption.
Conclusions:
- Breast milk miRNAs are absorbed and exert regulatory functions.
- Understanding BM miRNA absorption can inform infant formula development.
- BM miRNAs present potential for novel drug delivery strategies.
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