Casein polymorphism in goat's milk

Abstract

In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the extensive goat casein poly- morphism. Gene structure, and allelic and non-allelic protein variants, characterized by genomic and proteomic analysis, have been described. The effect of genetic casein polymorphism on techno- logical and nutritional properties of goat's milk has been briefly reported. Goat casein genes show a range of different post-translational modifications and complex patterns of splicing, leading to a great heterogeneity of this fraction. In the light of some recent findings, a genomic and proteomic combined approach appears to be the tool of choice in order to gain an exhaustive characterization of these milk proteins. goat's milk / casein fraction / heterogeneity / genetics / proteomics