Kappa-casein (CSN3)

Kappa-casein (CSN3) is a phosphoprotein found predominantly in the milk of mammals, where it plays a critical role in stabilizing casein micelle formation and thus prevents precipitation of casein in milk[1][2][5][6][7]. Kappa-casein serves as an interface between hydrophobic casein proteins within micelles and the aqueous environment, facilitating the formation of stable colloidal particles essential for milk's nutritional and physical properties[5][6]. Upon cleavage by chymosin (found in rennet), kappa-casein gives rise to para-kappa-casein and glycomacropeptide (GMP), the latter of which influences digestive processes and pathogen inhibition in neonates[2][4]. CSN3 is encoded by the CSN3 gene on human chromosome 4[3][7]. Kappa-casein is not considered a classical therapeutic drug target such as a receptor, ion channel, enzyme, or transporter.

Other names

CSN3CASKCSN10CSNKCNS10KCAkappa-casein