Evolution of Lactation: Ancient Origin and Extreme Adaptations of the Lactation System

2010/09/01 by Christophe Lefèvre, Julie A. Sharp, Kevin R. Nicholas · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Nursing · #Animal Genetics and Reproduction #Digestive system and related health #Infant Nutrition and Health

paper · doi:10.1146/annurev-genom-082509-141806

openalex publication_date 2010/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/27

Abstract

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.

Citations

• The Origin of Lactation as a Water Source for Parchment-Shelled Eggs
• The Mammary Gland and Its Origin During Synapsid Evolution
• The delayed rise of present-day mammals
• The tammar wallaby: A model to examine endocrine and local control of lactation
• Parental investment by skin feeding in a caecilian amphibian
• Caroli Linnaei...Systema naturae per regna tria naturae :secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis

Cited by

• Marsupial and monotreme milk—a review of its nutrient and immune properties
• Milk [wikipedia]