Proteoforms of β-Casein, α-s1-Casein, α-Lactalbumin, Serum Albumin, and Lactotransferrin Identified in Different Lactation Phases of Human Milk by Proteomics Approach

Abstract

Scope: Human milk (HM) has a wide range of proteins with biological and nutritional functions, essential for newborns. The roles of proteins and their proteoforms in HM are not fully understood. This study aims to assess, by 2-DE proteomics, the differential proteoforms in HM, present in colostrum (COL), transition (TRA), and mature milk (MAT), aiming to contribute to understanding neonates’ protein needs. Methods and results: HM samples are collected from 39 healthy lactating women. COL presents the higher concentration of essential amino acids. After MALDI-MS/MS and bioinformatics analysis, proteoforms are differentially detected. Abundances of β-casein (CSN2), α-s1 casein, and α-lactalbumin (LALBA) are higher in MAT; CSN2s are found in 11 spots and the isoforms increase in size as the pI becomes more acidic; regarding LALBA, two variant forms are found with different abundances in TRA and MAT; CSN2, LALBA, lactotransferrin (LTF), and serum albumin forms are present in all lactation phases. Conclusion: This study reveals differential proteoforms in COL involved in tissue growth and body development, besides essential amino acids, and, in MAT, involved in muscle mass gain, strengthening of the immune system, and energy production. The results provide new insight about proteoforms involved in maturation of the newborn's organs and systems.