Calcium mineral-binding peptides

Similarly to mineral-binding proteins, casein-derived phospho-peptides can form salts with minerals such as calcium due to the binding properties of the phosphoserine residue. These peptides are involved in the increased absorption and bioavaUabflity of calcium and other minerals (zinc, copper, manganese and iron)... 

Bone sialoprotein, osteopontin, and osteocalcin are synthesized and deposited as the mineralization process begins and mineral nodules form (Stein and Lian, 1993). Bone sialoprotein contains the cell-adhesive arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide sequence and may thus mediate osteoblast adhesion on the extracellular matrix (Gehron-Robey, 1989). Osteocalcin, a calcium-binding protein, interacts with hydroxyapatite and is thought to mediate coupling of bone resorption (by osteoclasts) and bone formation (by osteoblasts and/or osteocytes) (Stein and Lian, 1993). 

In addition, peptides binding different minerals have been found in whey proteins, i.e., from (3-lg, a-la and LF. Since these proteins are not phosphorylated, the minerals seem to bind through other binding sites than caseins. Seventeen (17) different peptides have been identified by hydrolysis of (3-lg with thermolysin using two different concentrations of calcium. Also, peptides from a-la and LF using trypsin, chymotrypsin or pepsin have been reported. Studies with 3-lg and a-la peptides have shown a higher affinity for iron than the native proteins (Vegarud et al., 2000). 

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