Milk expression is a normal part of breastfeeding, but in developed countries in particular, the focus tends to center on mechanical expression. In Russia, there is a long tradition of hands-on techniques that continues in the present day and includes mothers turning to providers trained in hand expression and breast massage techniques to resolve breastfeeding complications including engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis. As observed over the course of several trips to Russia, Russian clinicians routinely combine hand expression with breast massage for the treatment of milk stasis, engorgement, and plugged ducts. A better understanding of these hands-on techniques to assist in resolution of complications may provide additional treatment options for the lactation community.
The presence of a polyadenosine tail is an important determinant of mRNA translation and stability. The regulated removal of the tail, i.e. deadenylation, leads to either translational quiescence or mRNA degradation. Deadenylation, therefore, is a critical node in gene expression and is especially important in certain biological contexts such as in the early embryo and in neurons. All mRNAs deadenylate at different rates; some fast, some slow. In addition, deadenylation is enhanced by message‐specific regulatory factors. For instance, many 3’ UTR binding proteins and the miRNA machinery drive post‐transcriptional regulation (in part) by facilitating deadenylation. Despite the importance of deadenylation, little is known about how differential rates of poly(A) tail shortening are achieved. One clue comes from studies that show that mRNA translation rates are intimately connected to deadenylation rate. Our recent work has begun to tease out the complex molecular details that intertwine translation and deadenylation. Moreover, we have concentrated on understanding the function of protein factors that facilitate removal of the poly(A) tail. Deadenylation is catalyzed by the CCR4‐NOT protein complex. The function of distinct members of this complex as well as how these factors influence rates of deadenylation will be discussed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.