General Notes
Human alpha-lactalbumin is a small Ca2+ binding protein, the predominant protein found in human milk. Alpha-lactalbumin forms the regulatory subunit of the lactose synthase complex, with beta 1,4-galactosyltransferase forming the catalytic component. Lactose synthase catalyzes and regulates the biosynthesis of lactose in the lactating mammary gland. A folding variant of alpha-lactalbumin called HAMLET (human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells), has been shown to selectively kill tumor cells and control tumor progression in vivo.
