Protein Digestibility and Implications: Exploring the Complexities of Protein Utilization
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 420
Special Issue Editor
Interests: functional foods; cereal technology; plant proteins; bio-encapsulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Understanding protein digestibility is a critical facet of nutritional science, with far-reaching implications for human health, the food industry, and sustainable resource management. Despite substantial advancements, unresolved challenges persist in fully comprehending the intricate interplay between protein structures, digestive processes, and bioavailability.
This Special Issue aims to illuminate the latest research developments in the realm of protein digestibility, shedding light on factors influencing absorption, the role of the protein source, and emerging strategies for enhancing digestibility.
Key Themes Encompass:
Mechanisms of Protein Digestion: Unraveling the dynamic processes governing protein breakdown within the gastrointestinal tract, including enzymatic and physicochemical interactions. Studies focusing on the enzymes involved, their biochemistry, and how they interact with various protein substrates.
Impact of Protein Structure: Exploring how protein conformation, secondary structures, and intermolecular interactions influence digestibility and subsequent nutrient availability. Studies comparing the bioavailability of different protein sources like animal proteins, plant proteins, and lab-grown proteins.
In Vitro and In Vivo Models: Investigating innovative methodologies for assessing protein digestibility, encompassing simulated digestion assays, animal studies, and human trials.
Molecular nutrition: Exploring the interactions between proteins and amino acids with other ingredients and various molecular, cellular, and physiological processes. The aim is to understand how individual components of the diet influence metabolic pathways, gene expression, and ultimately, health and disease. Research on how nutrients from proteins affect gene expression and, conversely, how genes may influence protein digestibility.
Gut Microbiota and Protein Metabolism: Investigations into how the gut microbiota influences protein digestion and absorption.
Protein Quality Metrics: Papers that delve into how a molecular understanding of protein digestibility informs protein quality metrics like PDCAAS and DIAAS.
Influence of Anti-nutrients and Cofactors: Papers focusing on how antinutritional factors like phytates, or beneficial cofactors like certain minerals, influence protein digestibility.
This Special Issue seeks to gather innovative research contributions that illuminate the multi-faceted landscape of protein digestibility, paving the way for informed dietary recommendations, improved food formulations, and sustainable nutrition practices. We invite researchers to share their insights, methodologies, and findings to collectively advance our understanding of the complex dynamics and broader implications of protein digestibility.
Dr. Yakindra Timilsena
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- protein structure
- digestibility
- solubility
- enzymes
- nutrition
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