Allelic variation in the genes encoding bovine milk proteins has attracted significant interest from both academic researchers and the dairy industry. Specifically, a growing body of scientific literature investigating the relationship between the A1 and A2 versions of the beta casein milk protein gene and gastrointestinal health has emerged. “A2 milk” is a variety of milk that lacks beta-casein proteins from cows bearing the A1 allele, and instead has proteins from cows bearing only the A2 allele. The two alleles produce casein proteins with either histidine (A1) or proline (A2) at the 67th amino acid position. The amino acid substitution in the A2 allele has been linked to reduced gastrointestinal discomfort during milk digestion. The digestion of A1 beta-casein releases a seven amino acid peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), whereas beta-casomorphin-9) (BCM-9) is produced during digestion of A2 beta-casein. BCM-7 has opioid-like properties and is related with many diseases/disorders such as diabetes, autism, schizophrenia, and heart diseases, which require further investigation.
The scope of this Research Topic is to publish the latest scientific findings related to different aspects of milk produced by cows with the A1 and A2 alleles. This Research Topic broadly encompasses research focused on the relationship of A1 and A2 milk in areas ranging from; sports nutrition to gastrointestinal health, the development of novel milk-based products and functional foods produced from A2 milk, A2 milk and evidence for or against health implications, the detection of A1/A2 beta-casein genes/proteins, and characterization of bioactive peptides produced by A1 or A2 milk digestion.
We welcome submissions of original research, review, systematic review, mini-reviews, and case reports, with subtopics of interest including, but not limited to:
- A2 milk-based products including A2 colostrum, chocolate, bakery, supplements, infant formulas, and dairy products;
- Studying the use of molecular methods for the detection of BCM-7;
- Methods of genotyping of beta-casein and visualization of A2 milk beta-casein protein (e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Isoelectric focusing (IEF), Urea-PAGE);
- A2 milk digestion and resultant peptides studies.
Disclosure: SK received financial support from Uluova Dairy Company. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
Allelic variation in the genes encoding bovine milk proteins has attracted significant interest from both academic researchers and the dairy industry. Specifically, a growing body of scientific literature investigating the relationship between the A1 and A2 versions of the beta casein milk protein gene and gastrointestinal health has emerged. “A2 milk” is a variety of milk that lacks beta-casein proteins from cows bearing the A1 allele, and instead has proteins from cows bearing only the A2 allele. The two alleles produce casein proteins with either histidine (A1) or proline (A2) at the 67th amino acid position. The amino acid substitution in the A2 allele has been linked to reduced gastrointestinal discomfort during milk digestion. The digestion of A1 beta-casein releases a seven amino acid peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7), whereas beta-casomorphin-9) (BCM-9) is produced during digestion of A2 beta-casein. BCM-7 has opioid-like properties and is related with many diseases/disorders such as diabetes, autism, schizophrenia, and heart diseases, which require further investigation.
The scope of this Research Topic is to publish the latest scientific findings related to different aspects of milk produced by cows with the A1 and A2 alleles. This Research Topic broadly encompasses research focused on the relationship of A1 and A2 milk in areas ranging from; sports nutrition to gastrointestinal health, the development of novel milk-based products and functional foods produced from A2 milk, A2 milk and evidence for or against health implications, the detection of A1/A2 beta-casein genes/proteins, and characterization of bioactive peptides produced by A1 or A2 milk digestion.
We welcome submissions of original research, review, systematic review, mini-reviews, and case reports, with subtopics of interest including, but not limited to:
- A2 milk-based products including A2 colostrum, chocolate, bakery, supplements, infant formulas, and dairy products;
- Studying the use of molecular methods for the detection of BCM-7;
- Methods of genotyping of beta-casein and visualization of A2 milk beta-casein protein (e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Isoelectric focusing (IEF), Urea-PAGE);
- A2 milk digestion and resultant peptides studies.
Disclosure: SK received financial support from Uluova Dairy Company. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
