Comprehensive proteomic analysis of the human milk proteome: contribution of protein fractionation

J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2008 Dec 15;876(2):252-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2008.11.003. Epub 2008 Nov 7.

Abstract

In-depth analysis of the milk proteome by mass spectrometry is challenged by the presence of few high-abundance proteins that interfere with the detection of lower-abundance proteins. Here, we evaluated the proteomic analysis of milk samples following a strong anion exchange fractionation procedure using denaturating conditions ensuring the disruption of protein-protein interactions. Crude whey or skim milk and their different resulting fractions were analyzed by protein chip array mass spectrometry. Using protein chip array mass spectrometry, several high-abundance proteins were localized in distinct fractions increasing the total number of unique peptides and proteins detected. This total number increased by about 20-30% by combining different chromatographic surface arrays used for capture. Reproducible results were obtained in human skim milk and whey; however this approach was not successful with milk fat globule membrane and required refinement. Hence, milk profiling by anion exchange fractionation combined to protein chip array mass spectrometry represents a promising tool to detect unknown low-abundance milk proteins that may ultimately prove useful as biomarkers of diseases transmitted by breastfeeding.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Fractionation / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Milk, Human / chemistry*
  • Protein Array Analysis / methods*
  • Protein Denaturation
  • Proteins / analysis
  • Proteome / analysis*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / methods*

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Proteome