Epigenetic Programming Through Breast Milk and Its Impact on Milk-Siblings Mating.

Background: The epigenetic effects of transmission of certain regulatory molecules, such as miRNAs, through maternal milk on future generations, are still unknown and have not been fully understood yet. We hypothesized that breastfeeding regularly by adoptive-mother may cause transmission of miRNAs as epigenetic regulating factors to the infant, and the marriage of milk-siblings may cause various pathologies in the future generations.

Results: A cross-fostering model using a/a and mice had been established.