The primary structure of alpha-lactalbumin from camel milk

The primary structure of camel alpha-lactalbumin was determined by analysis of the intact protein, and of CNBr fragments and enzymatic peptides from the carboxymethylated protein chain. Results show that camel alpha-lactalbumin has 123 residues and a molecular mass of 14.6 kDa. The amino acid sequence is strictly homologous to alpha-lactalbumins characterized, but also exhibits extensive differences: 39 residues differ in relation to the bovine protein and only 35 residues are conserved among hitherto known alpha-lactalbumins with characterized structures. All residues ascribed critical structural or functional roles are strictly invariant in the camel protein.