Understanding Milk Cells and Metabolism
Official title: Harnessing Cells from Human Milk; Linking Lactation to Metabolism
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11170629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how cells from human milk can help us understand the connection between breastfeeding and a mother's metabolism, especially for those with obesity or diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $244,287 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD107496-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is focused on understanding lactation in mothers, particularly those who have obesity or diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not lactating or do not have an interest in the connection between lactation and metabolic health may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We know breastfeeding can protect mothers and children from metabolic diseases, but it's often harder for mothers with obesity or diabetes to breastfeed successfully. This project uses cells found in human milk, which are like tiny "liquid biopsies" of the breast, to uncover the biological reasons behind these challenges. By studying these cells, we hope to learn more about how insulin signaling affects milk production. Our goal is to find new ways to support better breastfeeding outcomes for mothers facing these health conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to help mothers with obesity or diabetes have more successful breastfeeding experiences, improving health for both mother and child.
How similar studies have gone: While the protective effects of breastfeeding are known, this approach of using milk-derived cells as "liquid breast biopsies" to understand the molecular mechanisms of lactation in the context of metabolic conditions is a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin Carli, Jayne Frances — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Martin Carli, Jayne Frances
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.