Role of miRNA in Mammary Gland Development and Lactation

miRNA can regulate development and milk yield of the mammary gland through epigenetic mechanism. miRNA can directly and indirectly modulate the activity of the epigenetic machinery, target genes through post-inhibition of translation initiation, mediate miRNA decay, target genes and inhibit the positive regulation, regulate tone modification, and regulate DNA methylation of target genes. Here we reviewed the role of miRNAs in mammary gland development and lactation. Researching miRNA in mammary gland development and lactation process, and understanding the response of the epigenetic mechanisms to external stimuli will be an important necessity to devise new technologies for maximizing their activity and milk production in the dairy cow.