Breast milk contains a large number of components that are beneficial to health. A recently discovered milk communication system most likely enables a mother’s cells to talk to those of the infant. This mail system consists of nano-sized structures known as extracellular vesicles, which carry genetic information and are thought to assist in the education of the infant’s immune system.

In her PhD studies, Kristine Blans established a method to isolate extracellular vesicles from human breast milk and cow’s milk. She also investigated the milk parcels structure, molecular composition and content of genetic information.

The new research findings show that milk contains a large variety of mail parcels that most likely carry different messages to the infant. Moreover, the findings indicate that the mail systems in breast milk and cow’s milk are similar. The exchange of milk mail between species might therefore be possible.

The PhD degree was completed at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University.

Time: Friday 11 September 2015 at 13.00
Place: Eduard Biermann Lecture Theatre, Lakeside Lecture Theatres, building 1252, room 204, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of dissertation: Isolation and Characterisation of Extracellular Vesicles in Human and Bovine Milk
Contact information: Kristine Blans, kimb@mbg.au.dk, +45 2044 27 3
Members of the assessment committee:
Senior Scientist Malene Møller Jørgensen, Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital
Principal Research Scientist Anne Pihlanto, Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)
Associate Professor Ditlev Egeskov Brodersen (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Senior Researcher Jan Trige Rasmussen, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Co-supervisor:
Professor Lotte Bach Larsen, Department of Food Science, Aarhus University
Language: The dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The dissertation is available for reading at the Graduate School of Science and Technology/GSST, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, room 112, 8000 Aarhus C.