A review and proposed nomenclature for major proteins of the milk-fat globule membrane

The characteristics and possible functions of the most abundant proteins as sociated with the bovine milk-fat globule membrane are reviewed. Under the auspices of the Milk Protein Nomenclature Committee of the ADSA, a revised nomenclature for the major membrane proteins is proposed and discussed in r elation to earlier schemes. We recommend that proteins be assigned specific names as they are identified by molecular cloning and sequencing technique s. The practice of identifying proteins according to their M-r, electrophor etic mobility, or staining characteristics should be discontinued, except f or uncharacterized proteins. The properties and amino acid sequences of the following proteins are discussed in detail: MUC1, xanthine dehydrogenase/o xidase, CD36, butyrophilin, adipophilin, periodic acid Schiff 6/7 (PAS 6/7) , and fatty acid binding protein. In addition, a compilation of less abunda nt proteins associated with the bovine milk-fat globule membrane is present ed.