Evolution of lactation: ancient origin and extreme adaptations of the lactation system

Lactation, an important characteristic of mammalian reproduction, has evolved by exploiting a diversity of strategies across mammals. Comparative genomics and transcriptomics experiments have now allowed a more in-depth analysis of the molecular evolution of lactation. Milk cell and mammary gland ge...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAnnual review of genomics and human genetics Vol. 11; p. 219
Main Authors Lefèvre, Christophe M, Sharp, Julie A, Nicholas, Kevin R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.01.2010
Subjects
Animals
Biological Evolution
Female
Humans
Lactation
Mammals - classification
Mammals - genetics
Mammals - physiology
Mammary Glands, Animal - metabolism
Milk - chemistry
Milk Proteins - genetics
Phylogeny
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Summary:Lactation, an important characteristic of mammalian reproduction, has evolved by exploiting a diversity of strategies across mammals. Comparative genomics and transcriptomics experiments have now allowed a more in-depth analysis of the molecular evolution of lactation. Milk cell and mammary gland genomic studies have started to reveal conserved milk proteins and other components of the lactation system of monotreme, marsupial, and eutherian lineages. These analyses confirm the ancient origin of the lactation system and provide useful insight into the function of specific milk proteins in the control of lactation. These studies also illuminate the role of milk in the regulation of growth and development of the young beyond simple nutritive aspects.
ISSN:1545-293X
DOI:10.1146/annurev-genom-082509-141806