Casein and coagulated proteins

Casein and coagulated proteins represent a broad category of proteinaceous substrates rather than a specific therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme. Casein is a family of phosphoproteins (alpha, beta, and kappa) that constitute the majority of protein in mammalian milk, where they form micelles to transport calcium and phosphate to the neonate (UniProt P02666). Coagulated proteins refer to proteins that have undergone denaturation and aggregation, typically through exposure to heat or the acidic environment of the stomach, which prepares them for proteolysis. In a pharmacological context, these substances are the primary substrates for digestive enzyme replacement therapies (ERT), such as pepsin (DrugBank DB00059) and pancreatin, which are administered to patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or gastric acid deficiency to facilitate protein digestion. While they are not targets for drug inhibition or activation, they are clinically significant as major food allergens and as the functional focus of digestive aids (PubMed PMID: 25597304, 17208582).

Other names

Milk proteinCasein phosphoproteinDenatured proteinDietary protein substrates

These proteins serve as substrates for proteolytic enzymes (proteases) which catalyze the hydrolytic cleavage of peptide bonds, breaking down complex protein structures into smaller peptides and constituent amino acids for intestinal absorption.