MilkSafe Project (A novel pipeline to enrich formula milk using omics technologies) aim is to apply sophisticated omics technologies to molecularly map the composition of breast milk,and to use it to enhance its commercial formulas. Molecularly this will be achieved in the commercial product either by enriching or depleting it from key molecules that our genetic and biochemical study will reveal to be present in breast milk.
Breast milk is the ideal food for the premature and mature babies and has undoubtedly immediate and ultimate benefits. Among other things, it protects against infections, reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and retinopathy of the premature babies, improves neurodevelopmental outcome and reduces the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome later in life. In the present study, breast milk will be studied with all the available omics technologies available. More specifically, functional genomics, comparative genomics, transcriptomics, sequencing, proteomics and metabolomics will be performed. The above results and this multidimensional information will be coordinated under the framework of a holistic approach of systems biology and bioinformatic analysis.
