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Study: Genetically Engineered Mice Yield Human Breast Milk Protein
This is the first time that mice have been genetically modified to produce lactoferrin by splicing human genes into their genome.
The ultimate aim of the Russian team behind this work, and of similar research projects in other countries, is to extract lactoferrin from the milk and use the protein to create healthier baby formula.
"Mouse milk is very protein-rich, and this can also translate into very high concentrations of transgenic protein," National Geographic News quoted Patrick van Berkel, a senior director at the Danish biotech company Genmab, writing in an email.
Breastfeeding mothers typically produce 4 to 5 grams of lactoferrin per litre of milk.
Team member Elena Sadchikova, of the Institute of Gene Biology at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, revealed that the genetically modified mice churned out maximum concentrations equal to 160 grams per litre.
The researcher, however, warned that the finding should not be taken to mean that the mice themselves were about to become biotech dairy animals.
With a view to milking mice, the researchers anaesthetized the animals and used specially adapted pumps fitted to their tiny teats.
Van Berkel said if attempted commercially, "the scale at which this would have to happen would be a logistic and technical nightmare."
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More News on: Pasteurization of milk, Mastitis, Importance of Breastfeeding, Types of Milk, Protein Catabolic Rate, Why Do We Eat - Nutrition Facts, Diet Lifestyle and Heart Disease, Breasts - Structures and Types, Breast Lumps, Breast Lumps-Screening
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06/05/2009
Yikes. This is scary. Why not just use human milk for human babies? And mouse milk for mouse babies? Am I missing something? This seems like an Akam's Razor dilemma.
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