Human milk oligosaccharide

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a family of structurally diverse unconjugated glycans that are found in and unique to human breast milk, despite not actually being digestible by human infants.[1] HMOs function as a prebiotic helping to establish commensal bacteria. HMOs also function as anti-adhesives that help prevent the attachment of microbial pathogens to mucosal surfaces.[2]

Other biological roles

HMOs have been implicated in modulating responses of the epithelium and of the immune cells, reducing excessive mucosal leukocyte infiltration and activation, and lowering the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis and possibly also providing the infant with sialic acid as a potentially essential nutrient for brain development and cognition.[2]

Evolution

In experiments designed to test the suitability of HMOs as a prebiotic source of carbon for intestinal bacteria it was discovered that they are highly selective for a commensal bacteria known as Bifidobacteria longum biovar infantis. The presence of genes unique to B. infantis, including co-regulated glycosidases, and its efficiency at using HMOs as a carbon source may imply a co-evolution of HMOs and the genetic capability of select bacteria to utilize them.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 German, JB; Lebrilla, CB; Mills, DA (18 Apr 2012). "Human milk oligosaccharides: evolution, structures and bioselectivity as substrates for intestinal bacteria". Nestle Nutr Workshop Ser Pediatr Program 62: 205–22. doi:10.1159/000146322. PMID 18626202.
  2. 1 2 Bode, L (18 Apr 2012). "Human milk oligosaccharides: every baby needs a sugar mama". Glycobiology 22 (9): 1147–62. doi:10.1093/glycob/cws074. PMID 22513036.
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