Alpha-lactalbumin

Function

Alpha-lactalbumin (LCA) is the albumin contained in milk and obtained from whey^[1]. LCA is the regulatory subunit of the lactose synthase heterodimer which produces lactose by transferring galactose moieties to glucose.

Relevance

LCA is tested as a target for potential breast cancer vaccine. LCA is the major whey protein of cow and sheep milk. LCA is the target of testing for the presence of milk as an allergen.

Structural highlights

• . Water molecules shown as red spheres.
• .