Understanding how human milk changes to support infant health

Transcriptional variation in human milk

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · J. DAVID GLADSTONE INSTITUTES · NIH-11085054

This study looks at how human milk changes to provide the best nutrition and immune support for babies, and it aims to help parents who have trouble breastfeeding by finding ways to improve milk production.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJ. DAVID GLADSTONE INSTITUTES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11085054 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex composition of human milk and how it adapts to meet the nutritional and immunological needs of infants. By analyzing cells from the mammary gland through advanced techniques like single cell RNA-sequencing, the study aims to uncover the transcriptional pathways that influence milk production. The goal is to identify factors that affect lactation and improve support for parents who struggle with breastfeeding. This research could lead to better interventions for enhancing milk production and ensuring infants receive optimal nutrition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breastfeeding parents, particularly those experiencing difficulties with lactation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not breastfeeding or who have no interest in breastfeeding may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting breastfeeding parents, enhancing milk production, and ultimately benefiting infant health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar techniques have shown promise in understanding cellular functions in human milk, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.