University of Wisconsin, Madison
This study will develop a protocol for remote human milk collection for use in gene expression research through application of ribonucleic acid (RNA) preservation reagents. The investigators hypothesize that addition of preservation reagents will preserve RNA in human milk, facilitating downstream analyses that require intact RNA. 50 lactating participants will be recruited and requested to provide reagent-mixed samples to be sent to the university through shipping services where they will be evaluated for RNA quantity, quality and profile.
To preserve the quality of RNAs, commonly used methods for collecting fresh human milk samples typically require a stringent collection and handling routine. This includes proximity to a laboratory (within 20 minutes of driving distance) and ultra-cold storage conditions (below -80°C). Compared to "non-research" settings, current standards in sample collection require either 1) participant travel or 2) home visits for biospecimen collection. These requirements impede the inclusion of wide, non- biased milk samples from a range of populations, which is necessary for robust human subject studies…
Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking and reading * Lactating for greater than or equal to 4 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * not meeting personal lactation goals * resides outside of Wisconsin
Two products will be evaluated for their ability to preserve RNA in human milk samples. * RNAlater (ThermoFisher©) (ratio variable) * NucleoProtect RNA (Takara©) (ratio variable)\* * Product volume mixed with human milk samples will vary by product and may be titrated as part of protocol development.
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