Comparison of Whey Proteome and Glycoproteome in Bovine Colostrum and Mature Milk

Milksamples were collected from 10 cows, in the colostrum (3-4days) and mature (90 days) lactation stage, to assess the differentialexpression of all whey proteins and N-glycoproteins.In total, 240 whey proteins and 315 N-glycosylationsites on 214 glycoproteins were quantified. GO annotations, KEGG pathwayanalysis, and protein classification were performed to understandthe similarities and differences of the biological functions of wheyproteins and N-glycoproteins among different lactationstages in bovine milk. Furthermore, differential expression of wheyproteins and whey N-glycosylated proteins was foundbetween different lactation stages. The related changes of biologicalfunctions in differentially expressed proteins were discussed. Forexample, the increased frequency of glycosylation on lactoferrin andfolate receptor alpha occurring in bovine colostrum may provide protectionand stimulate development of the newborn calf. Our study thereby improvesunderstanding of variations of glycosylation sites on milk glycoproteinsamong lactation stages.

Automated summary

In this study, milk samples from 10 cows in different lactation stages were collected to investigate the differential expression of whey proteins and N-glycoproteins. A total of 240 whey proteins and 315 N-glycosylation sites on 214 glycoproteins were identified. GO annotations, KEGG pathway analysis, and protein classification were conducted to understand the similarities and differences in biological functions between whey proteins and N-glycoproteins across different lactation stages. The study also found differential expression of whey proteins and whey N-glycosylated proteins between lactation stages, and discussed the related changes in biological functions.