Whey acidic protein

Whey Acidic Protein

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Structure of Whey Acidic Protein

Whey Acidic Protein (WAP) is a small, bioactive protein found in whey, which is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. WAP is known for its role in the immune system and its potential antimicrobial properties.

Structure

Whey Acidic Protein is characterized by its unique structure, which includes a "four-disulfide core" domain. This domain is crucial for the protein's stability and function. The structure of WAP has been studied using X-ray crystallography, revealing important details about its conformation and potential binding sites for other molecules.

Function

WAP is primarily known for its role in the immune response. It has been shown to possess antimicrobial activity, which suggests it may help protect against bacterial infections. Additionally, WAP is thought to play a role in cell signaling and tissue repair.

Sources

Whey Acidic Protein is naturally found in milk, particularly in the milk of mammals. It is a component of whey protein, which is a popular dietary supplement used by athletes and bodybuilders for its high protein content and amino acid profile.

Applications

Due to its potential health benefits, WAP is of interest in the fields of nutrition and medicine. Research is ongoing to explore its use in therapeutics and as a functional ingredient in food products.

Related pages

• Whey protein
• Immune system
• Antimicrobial peptides
• Milk