Milk exosomal microRNA as an epigenetic marker of metabolism and mastitis in cows
https://doi.org/10.25687/3034-493X.2026.6.1.004
Abstract
Milk, a vital source of nutrition, contains well-known proteins, minerals, vitamins, and lesser-known signaling molecules in the form of short non-coding RNAs, both free and contained in exosomes. The composition of the exosomal load is dynamic and depends on the physiological state of the organism, including the stage of lactation and mammary gland health. This review focuses on key epigenetic components such as milk microRNAs contained in exosomes. This review examines the role of milk exosomal microRNAs as a genetic marker of productivity and health in dairy cattle. It addresses the formation of exosomes and the mechanism of exosomal cargo sorting, focusing on the stages of microRNA biosynthesis in mammals and the mechanism of their influence on the genome as the main epigenetic post-transcription factor. Studies on the profile of milk microRNAs depending on the stage of lactation and mammary gland health in cattle are described. The presented data will be useful for understanding the organization, regulation and epigenetics of microRNAs in ruminant milk and opens up opportunities for the development of new diagnostic and selection tools in animal husbandry.
About the Author
O. Yu. Barkova
All-Russian Research Institute of Genetics and Farm Animal Breeding, Branch of L.K. Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Saint Petersburg
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Barkova O.Yu. Milk exosomal microRNA as an epigenetic marker of metabolism and mastitis in cows. Ernst Journal of Animal Science. 2026;(1):58-74. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25687/3034-493X.2026.6.1.004
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