milk fat globular membrane protein

Milk fat globular membrane proteins (MFGM proteins) are a group of glycosylated, membrane-bound proteins that are integral components of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), a trilayered structure surrounding lipid droplets in mammalian milk[1][3][4]. These proteins constitute approximately 1–4% of the total protein content in human and bovine milk[2][3]. MFGM proteins include butyrophilin, xanthine oxidoreductase, mucins (notably MUC1 and MUC4), lactadherin, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), and others[6][8]. They exhibit diverse bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial effects; promotion of digestion; maintenance of intestinal mucosal barrier; facilitation of nerve development; modulation of immune responses; and support for cognitive development in infants[1][5][7]. Mechanistically, these effects are attributed to their roles in biological regulation pathways including lipid metabolism and immune function. In addition to their natural presence in dairy products like buttermilk or butter serum fractions[2], isolated or concentrated forms are used as dietary supplements—especially in infant formula—to mimic the functional benefits found in human breastmilk. There is also growing interest in pharmaceutical applications for drug delivery systems due to their amphiphilic properties and stability as natural emulsifiers[5].

Other names

MFGM proteinmilk fat globule membrane proteinMFGM proteins