When science enters the insane… here we go
Breast milk has long been recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, rich in essential nutrients and compounds that boost the immune system. However, not all mothers can breastfeed, which has driven the development of infant formulas. These formulas often fall short of replicating the unique composition of breast milk, particularly lacking in complex sugars known as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). To address this, scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, have made significant progress by genetically engineering a plant to produce these crucial HMOs, opening the door to a new era of advanced infant formulas and enhanced plant-based alternatives for adults.
The research team, led by Dr. Patrick Shih, successfully modified the plant Nicotiana benthamiana to generate HMOs, which are the third most abundant solid component in human breast milk. While these sugars are indigestible by infants, they play a vital role in feeding beneficial gut bacteria, crucial during the early stages of life. HMOs are associated with a lower risk of viral and bacterial infections and may offer other health benefits.
The #GMO plants produced 11 known human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). But human breast milk is known to contain ~200 different HMOs, and there are many other solid components of human milk. So any talk of closely replicating human milk is pretty ridiculous https://t.co/WRiDK9RFXy
— GMWatch (@GMWatch) June 17, 2024
Traditionally, a limited number of HMOs have been synthetically produced using genetically engineered E. coli bacteria. However, this method is complex and expensive, limiting its adoption by major infant formula manufacturers. The breakthrough at UC Berkeley allows for the production of a wider array of HMOs more efficiently using genetically modified Nicotiana benthamiana.
In their innovative study, the Berkeley scientists reprogrammed the plant’s sugar-manufacturing machinery by introducing genes necessary for producing specific enzymes. These enzymes help assemble simple sugars into the complex structures of HMOs. Remarkably, the modified plants were capable of producing 11 different HMOs, encompassing all three major groups of these sugars, a feat not previously achieved with a single organism. Among the HMOs produced was LNFP1, which is known for reducing infant infections but is difficult to produce through microbial fermentation.
Tobacco-like Plant Tweaked to Make Breast Milk Nutrientshttps://t.co/rs5GKCkTwT pic.twitter.com/Np5NMnhwvA
— Tobacco Reporter (@tobaccoreporter) June 17, 2024
Dr. Shih envisions significant implications for the future of infant nutrition. He suggests that these plant-produced HMOs could be directly incorporated into infant formulas, potentially making them healthier and more affordable. He stated, “Imagine being able to make all the human milk oligosaccharides in a single plant. Then you could just grind up that plant, extract all the oligosaccharides simultaneously, and add that directly into infant formula.”
@UCBerkeley and @UCDavis researchers are working to engineer plants to help make baby formula as nutritious as breast milk https://t.co/Hf6QwFOlXa
— University of California (@UofCalifornia) June 17, 2024
While there are hurdles in commercializing and implementing this technology, the potential benefits extend beyond infant nutrition. Dr. Shih highlighted the broader applications of this research, suggesting that genetically engineered plants could also improve plant-based milks for adults and lead to the development of new HMO-based health products.
This groundbreaking approach not only promises to enhance infant formulas but also opens up possibilities for more nutritious non-dairy milks and new medical treatments based on HMOs. The study, which marks a significant advance in both genetic engineering and nutrition science, was published in the journal Nature Food.
Key Points:
i.Breast Milk and HMOs: Ideal for infant nutrition, breast milk contains complex sugars known as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that support gut health but are often absent in infant formulas.
ii.Scientific Breakthrough: Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, led by Dr. Patrick Shih, have successfully genetically engineered the Nicotiana benthamiana plant to produce HMOs, opening new possibilities for infant formula.
iii. Production Efficiency: This genetically engineered plant is capable of producing 11 known HMOs, enhancing the efficiency of these complex sugars compared to traditional methods involving engineered E. coli.
iv. Future Applications: The technology holds promise for more affordable and healthier infant formulas by incorporating plant-produced HOMs directly, and could also influence adult nutrition and health products.
v. Broader Implications: This advancement not only promises to improve infant formulas but also has the potential to enhance plant-based milks for adults and foster the development of new medicinal products based on HMOs.
Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
