Institute for Technology Research and Innovation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3217, Australia.
Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet. 2010;11:219-38. doi: 10.1146/annurev-genom-082509-141806.
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.
哺乳是哺乳动物繁殖的一个重要特征，它通过在哺乳动物中利用多种策略进化而来。比较基因组学和转录组学实验现在已经允许对哺乳的分子进化进行更深入的分析。乳汁细胞和乳腺基因组研究已经开始揭示单孔目动物、有袋目动物和真兽类动物谱系中保守的乳蛋白和其他泌乳系统成分。这些分析证实了泌乳系统的古老起源，并为控制泌乳的特定乳蛋白的功能提供了有用的见解。这些研究还阐明了乳汁在调节幼仔生长和发育方面的作用，不仅仅是简单的营养方面。
