High-Resolution Profiling of Lactation-Phase-Specific Whey Proteome in Yak Milk: Multidimensionally Functional Insights from Astral-DIA Analysis

Yak
milk, a nutritionally dense dairy product indigenous to high-altitude
ecosystems, exhibits unique compositional features distinct from those
of bovine milk. The developmental trajectory and functional diversification
of its whey proteome across key lactation phases (colostrum, transitional
milk, and mature milk) remain poorly understood. This study implemented
high-resolution Astral data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics
to systematically map stage-specific whey proteome dynamics. Quantitative
analysis identified 1344, 1334, and 1309 unique whey proteins in colostral,
transitional, and mature phases, respectively. Multidimensional functional
annotation (GO, KEGG, and EggNOG) revealed stage-specific divergence:
colostrum proteins were predominantly associated with immune system
processes, while transitional and mature milk proteins shifted toward
cell transportation, secretion, and vesicle transportation. Temporal
expression patterns were deciphered through mFuzz clustering, identifying
nine representative whey proteins. This comprehensive investigation
elucidates lactation-stage-specific proteomic signatures and their
biological implications, advancing insights into yak milk’s
bioactive properties.