Read more about the work

Human milk contains immune cells and large numbers of secretory mammary epithelial cells or lactocytes. Transcriptional analysis of milk has found that there are two transcriptionally distinct populations of lactocytes, type 1 and 2 (LC1 and LC2). LC1 and LC2 cells are transcriptionally distinct and can be cultured to generate 3D mammary organoids (Twigger Nat Comms 2022).

Past research findings

Present research

  • CAMB MOM Study

    With the Cambridgeshire Multiomics of Milk (CAMB MOM) study, we are recruiting volunteers to provide milk samples to allow us to build human milk biosynthesis pathways. By comparing the transcriptomic profile of milk-derived secretory epithelial cells with the lipid and protein profile of the milk they produce, we aim to uncover which genes are essential for milk production.

  • In vitro models of lactation

    Using human mammary organoid models, we aim to determine which factors are key to trigger transport or synthesis of the myriad components that make up human milk.

  • Computational models of lactation

    Executable computational models provide a platform to bring together established knowledge about signalling cascades in a format that can be modified to allow us to make outcome predictions. The computational model developed here will provide a powerful toolset to enable greater insight into the process of human lactation. This will have a significant impact on our understanding of human metabolism and provide the foundation to understand differences in milk composition between individuals.

Future research

We will use the models above to explore central questions in human lactation such as why some women can’t produce milk, how milk composition differs between individuals, which drugs affect milk production and how lactations impacts the breast long-term.