Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 7, 2026

A Method for Targeted 16S Sequencing of Human Milk Samples
09:09

A Method for Targeted 16S Sequencing of Human Milk Samples

Published on: March 23, 2018

10.2K

Characterization and biological health implications of microRNAs from human milk and infant formulas

Abdelmoneim H Ali1, Zain Najjar2, Mutamed Ayyash2

  • 1Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. abdelmoneim.ali@uaeu.ac.ae.

NPJ Science of Food
|December 20, 2025
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in human milk are vital for infant development, regulating gene expression. Research into these molecules in milk and formulas offers insights into infant health and potential new diagnostics.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression.
  • Human milk is a rich source of bioactive molecules, including miRNAs, crucial for infant development.
  • Understanding miRNA functions is key to deciphering infant health and nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge on miRNAs in human milk and infant formulas.
  • To emphasize the potential impact of these miRNAs on infant health.
  • To outline future research directions in this field.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on miRNAs in human milk and infant formulas.
  • Analysis of the biological roles and regulatory functions of miRNAs.
  • Synthesis of information regarding infant health implications.

Main Results:

  • Human milk miRNAs are involved in various biological processes essential for infant development.
  • These miRNAs can be transferred to infants, influencing their gene expression and health outcomes.
  • Infant formulas may differ in their miRNA content compared to human milk.

Conclusions:

  • miRNAs in human milk play a significant role in infant health and development.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the functions and therapeutic potential of milk miRNAs.
  • Understanding milk miRNAs may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for infants.

More Related Videos

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings04:16

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings

Published on: February 7, 2025

817
Milk Collection in the Rat Using Capillary Tubes and Estimation of Milk Fat Content by Creamatocrit07:38

Milk Collection in the Rat Using Capillary Tubes and Estimation of Milk Fat Content by Creamatocrit

Published on: December 16, 2015

13.0K

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

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...
3.7K
MicroRNAs01:22

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...
23.8K
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
86.5K