α-Lactalbumin (Alpha-lactalbumin) (LALBA)

α-Lactalbumin is a small (14 kDa), acidic, calcium-binding protein found in the whey fraction of milk across all mammals. It is encoded by the LALBA gene and forms the regulatory subunit of lactose synthase, the enzyme complex responsible for lactose production in the mammary gland. The protein modulates the specificity of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase, dramatically enhancing its affinity for glucose and enabling the synthesis of lactose. Structurally, α-lactalbumin consists of 123 amino acids, 4 disulfide bridges, and has a single strong calcium-binding site that imparts stability and unique folding properties. Certain modified forms of α-lactalbumin, such as HAMLET (human α-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells), have been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and possess bactericidal function, suggesting possible roles in cancer and infection research. Despite these interesting biological effects, α-lactalbumin is not considered a classic drug target like receptors or enzymes.

Other names

Alpha-lactalbuminLALBAwhey protein (in the context of milk protein composition)

not a therapeutic target for drugs, but as HAMLET, induces apoptosis via cell membrane disruption and delivery of cytotoxic fatty acids to tumor cells