Bibliometric Analysis of Milk Protein Gene Expression Regulation Using CiteSpace and VOSviewer

Milk proteins represent the principal protein constituents of mammalian milk and play indispensable biological roles in the growth, development, and immune maturation of neonates. Modulating the expression of genes involved in milk protein synthesis holds considerable promise for enhancing both the efficiency of milk protein production and the bioavailability of dairy-derived nutrients, thereby offering significant translational potential in neonatal nutrition and the functional optimization of bioactive milk peptides. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on milk protein gene expression regulation, drawing upon publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2006 to 2025. Utilizing CiteSpace and VOSviewer, we systematically map research hotspots, evolutionary trends, and emerging frontiers in the field. Concurrently, we provide an integrative review of the molecular mechanisms governing milk protein gene expression, including key transcriptional regulators and associated signaling pathways, as well as recent advances in the optimization and innovative applications of milk protein-based products and pharmaceuticals.