A combined microphysiological-computational omics approach in dietary protein evaluation

Paulus G M Jochems,Monic M M Tomassen,Johan Garssen,Fraser Lewis,Harry J Wichers,Shanna Bastiaan-Net,Willem R Keusters,Rosalinde Masereeuw,Jeroen Van Bergenhenegouwen,Yang Li,Renata M C Ariëns,Pascale C S Rietveld,Antoine H P America,Koen G C Westphal

doi:10.1038/s41538-020-00082-z

Abstract

Food security is under increased pressure due to the ever-growing world population. To tackle this, alternative protein sources need to be evaluated for nutritional value, which requires information on digesta peptide composition in comparison to established protein sources and coupling to biological parameters. Here, a combined experimental and computational approach is presented, which compared seventeen protein sources with cow’s whey protein concentrate (WPC) as the benchmark. In vitro digestion of proteins was followed by proteomics analysis and statistical model-based clustering. Information on digesta peptide composition resulted in 3 cluster groups, primarily driven by the peptide overlap with the benchmark protein WPC. Functional protein data was then incorporated in the computational model after evaluating the effects of eighteen protein digests on intestinal barrier integrity, viability, brush border enzyme activity, and immune parameters using a bioengineered intestine as microphysiological gut system. This resulted in 6 cluster groups. Biological clustering was driven by viability, brush border enzyme activity, and significant differences in immune parameters. Finally, a combination of proteomic and biological efficacy data resulted in 5 clusters groups, driven by a combination of digesta peptide composition and biological effects. The key finding of our holistic approach is that protein source (animal, plant or alternative derived) is not a driving force behind the delivery of bioactive peptides and their biological efficacy.

Highlights

The ever-expanding world population goes hand in hand with an increase in food demand[1]
Re-evaluating the over 90 million tons of food waste per year and exploring other protein sources may aid in identifying potential sustainable sources to assist in strengthening food security[3]
Animal Plant Plant Plant containing peptides likely to be absorbed in the small intestine, were used to compare whey protein concentrate (WPC) and the other dietary proteins based on relative molar mass (m/z), charge, retention time, and abundance

Summary

Introduction

The ever-expanding world population goes hand in hand with an increase in food demand[1]. Animal Plant Plant Plant containing peptides likely to be absorbed in the small intestine, were used to compare WPC and the other dietary proteins based on relative molar mass (m/z), charge, retention time, and abundance. The overlap of peptides of dietary protein digests versus WPC was visualized in tile plots (Supplementary Fig. 2), TPP2 Quorn Mycoprotein Quorn ready to eat Wheat Corn

Results

Conclusion