Quantitative proteomic analysis of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins from donkey colostrum and mature milk

Abstract The composition and functions of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins are important indicators of the nutritional quality of milk. However, these characteristics of MFGM proteins in donkey milk are unknown at different lactation periods. We characterized and identified MFGM proteins in donkey milk at two lactation periods using label-free proteomics. A total of 947 MFGM proteins were found. There were 902 and 913 MFGM proteins in donkey colostrum and mature milk, respectively. The differentially expressed MFGM proteins were classified into different Gene Ontology annotations. The biological process subgroups containing the most MFGM proteins mainly included cellular process, metabolic process, biological regulation, and regulation of biological processes. Donkey MFGM proteins participated in several Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) pathways at different lactation stages, such as endocytosis, thermogenesis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and human papillomavirus infection. The knowledge gained in this study may provide theoretical insights and guidance for the future development of novel infant formula. Key words: MFGM protein, donkey colostrum, donkey mature milk, lactation period, proteomics