A method of producing a mammalian milk like product, for example a human milk like product comprising generating lactocytes derived from mammalian mammary epithelial cells, for example human mammary epithelial cells, and expressing the mammalian milk like product, for example the human milk like product from lactocytes.

A method for producing mammary gland cells and a method of producing a mammalian milk like product, for example a human milk like product comprising generating lactocytes derived from mammalian induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSC), for example human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), and expressing the mammalian milk like product, for example the human milk like product from lactocytes.

Provided is a method of increasing lipid synthesis or accumulation in mammary epithelial cells (MECs) culture and optionally secretion therefrom. The method comprising contacting the MECs with an LXR agonist in the presence of a fatty acid to thereby increase lipid synthesis or accumulation and optionally secretion of lipids. Also provided is a method of producing synthetic fat globules, the method comprising: (a) isolating lipid droplets from cells in culture; (b) encapsulating the droplets with a lipid bilayer, thereby producing synthetic fat globules. Also provided are compositions produced thereby.

Provided herein are cell constructs for producing a cultured milk product from mammary epithelial cells (MECs). In some embodiments, the cell constructs comprise a scaffold, a culture medium in fluidic contact with the scaffold, and mammary cells coupled to the scaffold. In some embodiments, one or more features and/or properties of the scaffold are specified so as to mimic a basement membrane to help to induce the secretory phenotype of mammary epithelial cells in vitro.