Nurturing Sustainable Nutrition: Innovating Mammary Organoid Models for Human Milk Production
By Floyd Lising
Infants predominantly rely on breast milk, but in many cases mothers cannot or should not breastfeed their babies and must rely on formula milk. Compared to human milk, which contains vital nutrients, minerals and antibodies, to name a few, formula milk is a necessary but not direct substitute. Me& Biotech is a biotechnological company that focuses on nutritional products for early human life and the aim of producing human milk products from human-derived cells through the culture of mammary epithelial cells.
As the first step toward producing human breast milk products, Me& Biotech and Cellular Agriculture Australia are funding a project through Swinburne University of Technology, guided by Dr Huseyin Sumer and Dr Peter Kingshott. Our research aims to develop a vascularized 3D model of the mammary organoid, a revolutionary step toward prolonging the viability of mammary organoids and enhancing their efficiency.
Addressing a Critical Challenge: The Limited Lifespan of Mammary Organoids
One of the hurdles in developing this technology lies in the limited lifespan of 3D spheroids or organoids (Hofer & Lutolf, 2021), which are used to replicate the complex structure of mammary glands. Mammary organoids experience compromised gas and nutrient exchange compared to mammary glands, resulting in cellular death, or necrosis at their core. The consequence is a diminished yield of viable cells, impacting the overall physiology of the organoid.
Vascularizing the organoids incorporates a system of blood vessels into the organoid, allowing oxygen and nutrients into the core, and the removal of waste products. Vascularization is essential for the successful development of larger and more complex tissues.
The pivotal element in vascularizing the organoid involves the introduction of the ETV2 gene into fibroblast cells. This process converts fibroblasts directly into cells that are typically found in the lining of blood vessels, called endothelial cells, a key step in enhancing nutrient and gas exchange within the organoid. Following on from this, we will be attempting to introduce smooth and cardiac muscle cells into the system. This will create an even more realistic organoid and allow us to better understand mammary gland biology.
I commenced this project five months ago, embarking on a journey that involved close collaboration with Me& Biotech. Early stages involved learning techniques for retrieving mouse mammary primary cell lines, growing organoids (Figure 1), cell passaging, and nitrogen storing. Presently, my focus has shifted to developing cardiomyocytes.
The transformative potential of this research lies not just in its scientific merit but in its alignment with the broader vision of sustainable and ethical food production.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for Improved Infant Nutrition
My research is a step toward redefining the production of human milk products. By addressing the critical challenge of organoid lifespan, the impact on infant nutrition, especially in cases where breastfeeding is not feasible, holds immense promise. The collaborative spirit between academia and industry, embodied in this research, serves as a beacon for future endeavours in cellular agriculture, fostering innovation that extends beyond the laboratory to positively influence global food sustainability.
A Collaborative Endeavour: Acknowledgments and Progress
I express gratitude for the support from Me& Biotech and CAA, alongside the invaluable guidance from supervisors Dr Huseyin Sumer and Dr Peter Kingshott. A special mention goes to co-student Justin Ganly, who serves as a mentor in molecular and cellular techniques.
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