Full Name: α-Lactalbumin
Synonyms: LALBA; Bos d 4
Alpha-lactalbumin is a whey protein of mammalian milk and the regulatory subunit of lactose synthase. It modifies the specificity of beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase so that glucose is converted to lactose rather than to glycoprotein-bound galactose. It is rich in tryptophan and is the dominant whey protein of human milk, making it important for humanising infant formula. It is a recognised cow's-milk allergen (Bos d 4) and binds calcium in a specific EF-hand-like site. Its structure is a compact globular protein stabilised by four conserved disulphide bonds.