Network-based bioinformatics highlights broad importance of human milk hyaluronan

Hyaluronic acid 35 kDa (HA35) is protective against murine necrotizing enterocolitis and is present in high levels in colostrum and early human milk. We utilized pathway and network analysis of bulk RNA-seq transcriptomics of the distal ileum of mouse pups to determine molecular mechanisms through which HA35 may influence small intestinal maturation and protection against inflammatory disease. Overall design: Bulk transcriptomics was performed on the distal ileum from CD-1 mouse pups treated once daily with 30mg/kg body weight 35 kDa hyaluronic acid (n = 4) or vehicle control (equal volume sterile water, n = 4) from postnatal day of life 7-14.