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Milk Proteins Are Predigested Within the Human Mammary Gland
Søren D Nielsen1, Robert L Beverly1, David C Dallas2
1Nutrition Program, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 118G Milam Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia
|February 22, 2018
Summary
Human milk proteases begin digesting milk proteins within the mammary gland, releasing over 1,100 peptides. This pre-digestion provides infants with partially broken-down proteins and bioactive peptides.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Lactation Biology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Proteases in human milk release peptides from milk proteins.
- The extent of in-mammary gland digestion of milk proteins is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine if human milk protein digestion begins within the mammary gland.
- Identify participating milk proteases and predict bioactive peptides.
Main Methods:
- Human milk was collected and immediately treated with antiproteases on ice.
- Peptide profiles were analyzed using mass spectrometry and database searching.
- Peptidomics data informed protease and bioactivity predictions.
Main Results:
- Over 1,100 unique peptides from 42 milk proteins were identified, indicating in-mammary gland hydrolysis.
- 306 potential bioactive peptides were detected.
- Plasmin was predicted as the primary active protease in milk protein hydrolysis within the mammary gland.
Conclusions:
- Milk proteases actively initiate protein hydrolysis within the mammary gland.
- Breastfed infants receive pre-digested proteins and bioactive peptides.
- This process primes milk proteins for enhanced infant digestion and nutrient absorption.
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