Protein Quality Research Articles

The effect of ecological characteristics on the domestication of sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum).

Sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum) is a pioneer species of annual plant found on mobile dunes in arid and semi-arid areas of China. Its establishment within the community could play a crucial role in the restoration of vegetation in desert environments because the ecological characteristics of sand rice make it well-suited to cope with desertification. Sand rice germinates rapidly when there is sufficient precipitation, and sand burial is beneficial for its germination. After germination, the root system rapidly extends downwards. It has short life cycles, completing the life span in 90 days at drought years. Additionally, sand rice has aerial and soil seed banks, which are suitable for arid ecosystems. Its seeds have high nutrient value of high protein quality and low carbohydrates. These ecological characteristics make sand rice a potentially environmentally friendly crop for addressing future climate change and maintaining food security, especially in desert areas. However it is unknown how ecological advantages affect the de novo domestication of sand rice. In this article, we summarize its ecological characteristics and determine optimal growth conditions for domestication and more applications in future.

Mitophagy Facilitates Cytosolic Proteostasis to Preserve Cardiac Function.

Protein quality control (PQC) is critical for maintaining sarcomere structure and function in cardiac myocytes, and mutations in PQC pathway proteins, such as CRYAB (arginine to glycine at position 120, R120G) and BAG3 (proline to lysine at position 209, P209L) induce protein aggregate pathology with cardiomyopathy in humans. Novel observations in yeast and mammalian cells demonstrate mitochondrial uptake of cytosolic protein aggregates. We hypothesized that mitochondrial uptake of cytosolic protein aggregates and their removal by mitophagy, a lysosomal degradative pathway essential for myocardial homeostasis, facilitates cytosolic protein quality control in cardiac myocytes. Mice with inducible cardiac myocyte specific ablation of TRAF2 (TRAF2icKO), which impairs mitophagy, were assessed for protein aggregates with biochemical fractionation and super-resolution imaging in comparison to floxed controls. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiac myocytes with R120G knock-in to the CRYAB locus were assessed for localization of the CRYAB protein. Transgenic mice expressing R120G CRYAB protein (R120G-TG) were subjected to both TRAF2 gain-of-function (with AAV9-cardiac Troponin T promoter-driven TRAF2 transduction) and TRAF2 loss-of-function (with tamoxifen-inducible ablation of one Traf2 allele) in cardiac myocytes to determine the effect of mitophagy modulation on cardiac structure, function, and protein aggregate pathology. Cardiomyocyte-specific ablation of TRAF2 results accumulation of mitochondrial and cytosolic protein aggregates and DESMIN mis-localization to protein aggregates. Isolated mitochondria take up cardiomyopathy-associated aggregate-prone cytosolic chaperone proteins, namely arginine to glycine (R120G) CRYAB mutant and proline to lysine (P209L) BAG3 mutant. R120G-CRYAB mutant protein increasingly localizes to mitochondria in human and mouse cardiomyocytes. R120G-TG mice demonstrate upregulation of TRAF2 in the mitochondrial fraction with increased mitophagy as compared with wild type. Adult-onset inducible haplo-insufficiency of TRAF2 resulted in accelerated mortality, impaired left ventricular systolic function and increased protein aggregates in R120G-TG mice as compared with controls. Conversely, AAV9-mediated TRAF2 transduction in R120G-TG mice reduced mortality and attenuated left ventricular systolic dysfunction, with reduced protein aggregates and restoration of normal localization of DESMIN, a cytosolic scaffolding protein chaperoned by CRYAB, as compared with control AAV9-GFP group. TRAF2-mediated mitophagy in cardiac myocytes facilitates removal of cytosolic protein aggregates and can be stimulated to ameliorate proteotoxic cardiomyopathy.

Pulsed Electric Field Treatment in Extracting Proteins from Legumes: A Review

A healthy diet rich in plant proteins can help in preventing chronic degenerative diseases. Plant-based protein consists of derivatives from algae, fungi (like mushrooms) and other plant products including stems, leaves, fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, legumes and nuts. These sources are not only rich in protein, but also contain a high percentage of iron, calcium, folates, fiber, carbohydrates, fats etc. Hence, it is essential to explore plant-based protein sources and their other nutritional components to address existing food insecurity issues. Nowadays, the impact of food processing has produced promising results in extracting valuable bio-compounds including proteins from the plant matrix. In this view, PEF technology has secured an exceptional place in solving food quality issues through minimized thermal effects in the samples, improved extraction capabilities at a shorter time, higher extraction levels, high nutritional content of extracted samples, greater shelf-life extension and increased microbial killing efficiency. It is an energy efficient process which is used as a pre-treatment to increase selective extraction of intracellular compounds through electroporation technique. Here, the processing parameters play a significant role in obtaining enhanced extraction levels. These parameters have also considerably influenced the protein digestibility and amino acid modification. So far, PEF has been producing remarkable results in plant protein extraction research. Among various plant sources mentioned above, there is a limited literature available on the use of PEF-assisted protein extraction from legumes. In this review, the authors have discussed essential legumes and their nutritional components and have highlighted how PEF can be beneficial in extracting the protein levels from these sources. Further research should focus on PEF-assisted protein extraction from legumes, specifically analyzing the properties of protein quality and quantity.

Applications and Challenges of Protein Quality Assessment in Food

As a key nutrient to maintain normal physiological functions of the human body, protein plays an increasingly important role in people's pursuit of a healthy life. With the growing demand for healthy dietary standards, the evaluation of protein quality in food has become particularly critical, providing a scientific basis for the innovation and development of healthy foods. Given the diversity of protein sources, fluctuations in content, and the complexity of amino acid composition, it is crucial to choose appropriate evaluation methods to accurately analyze the protein quality in food. This article deeply explores the protein quality evaluation methods widely used internationally, with a particular focus on the two evaluation systems of digestible amino acid score (DIAAS) and protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). This article analyzes in detail the application scope, advantages, and challenges that may be encountered in practical applications of these two methods, aiming to provide a solid theoretical support for the development of high-quality protein foods.

The potential of the amaranth collection maintained at VIR in the context of global plant breeding and utilization trends

The potential of the amaranth collection maintained at VIR in the context of global plant breeding and utilization trends

Effect of heat stress during the early lactation period on milk quality traits and reproductive performance of Holstein cows in the western region of Algeria

This study aimed to determine the influence of heat stress during the during early lactation period on milk quality traits and reproductive performance of Holstein cows. Reproduction and milk production records of cows, as well as meteorological data between October 2022 and November 2023, from a 10 commercial dairy herd (n = 228 cows), were used to determine the relationship between heat stress during the early lactation period and reproductive efficiency and milk quality traits. THI was divided into < 70 (no heat stress, n=85), 70–80 (moderate heat stress, n=78), and > 80 (severe heat stress, n= 65). The reproductive result was poor with an average of CFSI (105 ± 35.3 days), CCI (123 ± 38.8 days), NSPC (1.7) and conception rate at first service 53.8%. All CFSI and CCI was highest (P < 0.05) for cows experiencing moderate or severe heat stress during the early lactation period and lowest for cows not undergoing heat stress during the early lactation period. Conception rate at first service of cows decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing hyperthermia during the dry period (63.3%, 50.8%, and 43.5% for THI < 70, 70–80, and > 80, respectively). Cows not experiencing heat stress during the early lactation period required a mean ± SD of 1, 4 ± 0, 7 services per conception compared with 2, 1 ± 0,8 (P < 0.05) for cows subjected to THI > 80 during the early lactation period. Overall, heat stress conditions lowered significantly (P < 0.05) the quality of milk, with fat, protein and lactose content being greatly reduced. In conclusion, Heat stress had a negative impact on the performance of Prim Holsteins dairy cows in the western region of Algeria. The results indicated a need for more research on the relationship between the effect of heat stress and animal characteristics. This study calls for the implementation of mitigation strategies in heat-stressed herds due to the substantial decrease in productivity. This genotype x environment interaction studies deserve to be continued.

The Biotechnological Potential of Crickets as a Sustainable Protein Source for Fishmeal Replacement in Aquafeed.

As aquaculture production grows, so does the demand for quality and cost-effective protein sources. The cost of fishmeal (FM) has increased over the years, leading to increased production costs for formulated aquafeed. Soybean meal (SBM) is commonly used as an FM replacer in aquafeed, but anti-nutritional factors could affect the growth, nutrition, and health of aquatic organisms. Cricket meal (CM) is an alternative source with a nutrient profile comparable to FM due to its high protein content, digestibility, and amino acid profile. CM use in aquafeed influences growth and reproductive performance while modulating the gut microbiota and immune response of fish and shrimp. However, consistent regulation and scaling up are necessary for competitive prices and the marketing of CM. Moreover, the chitin content in CM could be an issue in some fish species; however, different strategies based on food biotechnology can improve the protein quality for its safe use in aquafeed.

The impact of mechanical scouring and moisture conditioning on the in vitro protein digestibility and quality of roller‑milled green lentil (Lens culinaris) and yellow pea (Pisum sativum)

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMilling practices, otherwise refined for specific uses in cereal‐based foods, have not been thoroughly developed for pulses. This study investigates whether scouring and moisture conditioning pretreatments on yellow peas and green lentils can enhance hull removal, and in turn, whether changes in hull removal alter in vitro protein digestibility and quality.FindingsTotal by‐product losses were significant in green lentils when subject to scouring, which was altered by high moisture addition in yellow peas. The scouring pretreatment altered both the protein digestibility and amino acid scores of green lentils, which translated to improved protein quality in all streams, but significantly in the break flour stream. Yellow peas similarly demonstrated significant improvements in protein quality from scouring, as a result of altered amino acid scores.ConclusionThe addition of a scouring procedure can improve the protein quality of yellow peas and green lentils.Significance and NoveltyPulse milling procedures are rarely evaluated for optimization of protein quality. This research establishes milling protocols that may be used to enhance the protein quality of yellow peas and green lentils.

Hemostatic function, immunomodulatory capacity, and effects of lipemia in cold-stored whole blood.

Whole blood (WB) is increasingly being used for resuscitation of trauma patients. Although platelet-, red blood cell (RBC)- and plasma-specific parameters in cold-stored WB are well characterized, there has been limited investigation of biological response modifiers (BRMs), which may induce adverse reactions in recipients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and function of RBC, platelets, plasma proteins, and BRMs in cold-stored WB during storage. WB (n = 24) was collected into collected into citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) anticoagulant, held overnight, processed through a platelet-sparing filter, and stored at 2-6°C for 21 days. RBC, platelet, coagulation factor quality and function, and BRM concentrations were measured throughout the duration of storage. WB was effectively leukoreduced, with 99.98% reduction in leukocyte count and 81% platelet count recovery following filtration. Five WB units were significantly lipemic, with a visible lipid layer appearing after being cold storage overnight. These were more turbid with higher hemolysis compared to non-lipemic units (p = .023). Despite a decrease in platelet count during storage (p < .001), hemostatic function as measured by thromboelastography was maintained for at least 21 days (R time and maximum amplitude; both p < .001). There was a significant increase in PF4, CD62P, and RANTES during cold storage (all p < .001). WB retains hemostatic potential for at least 21 days of cold storage, and with further development, may be suitable for transfusion in Australia. Before implementation in Australia, quality control measures for lipemia and hemolysis would need to be defined as part of our manufacturing processes.

Heterogeneous folding landscapes and predetermined breaking points within a protein family.

The accurate prediction of protein structures with artificial intelligence has been a spectacular success. Yet, how proteins fold into their native structures inside the cell remains incompletely understood. Of particular interest is to rationalize how proteins interact with the protein homeostasis network, an organism specific set of protein folding and quality control enzymes. Failure of protein homeostasis leads to widespread misfolding and aggregation, and thus neurodegeneration. Here, I present a comparative analysis of the folding of 16 single-domain proteins from the same organism across a protein family, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae small GTPases. Using computational modeling to directly probe protein folding dynamics, this work shows how near identical structures from the same folding environment can exhibit heterogeneous folding landscapes. Remarkably, yeast small GTPases are found to unfold along different pathways either via the N- or C-terminus initiated by structure-encoded predetermined breaking points. Degrons as recognition signals for ubiquitin-dependent degradation were systematically absent from the initial unfolding sites, as if to protect from too rapid degradation upon spontaneous unfolding or before completion of the folding. The presented results highlight a direct coordination of folding pathway and protein homeostasis interaction signals across a protein family. A deeper understanding of the interdependence of proteins with their folding environment will help to rationalize and combat diseases linked to protein misfolding and dysregulation. More generally, this work underlines the importance of understanding protein folding in the cellular context, and highlights valuable constraints towards a systems-level understanding of protein homeostasis.

Processing and Evaluation of Paneer from Coconut Milk and Cow Milk Blends

Paneer is an Indian traditional milk product which occupies an important place as a base product for the production of various culinary preparations. Paneer is a nutritious and wholesome food. It provides one of the methods of conserving, preserving and prolonging shelf life of milk solids in a highly concentrated form.For coagulation of milk 1% of lime juice, which contains citric acid. The shelf life of the developed product during room temperature (3 days) and refrigerated condition. The present study was under taken with different levels (90:10, 80:20, 70:30) of cow milk and coconut milk. Chemical quality (moisture, fat, protein, and yield) and microbial quality (TPC, yeast and mould, coliform) were also analyzed. The coconut paneer with 90:10 ratio of cow milk and coconut milk was found to be best among others. Thus as far as product acceptability judged by organoleptic evaluation the treatment can be rated as P0 &gt; P1&gt; P2&gt; P3. The fresh cow milk paneer (P0) chemical constituents were 50.78 g of moisture, 0.22% of acidity, 5.3 of pH, 20.39 g of protein, 22.8 g of fat, 0 g of fibre, 198 mg /100 g of calcium, 2.2 mg /100 g of iron respectively. The coconut paneer prepared by 10% coconut milk blending with 90% cow milk, the P1 sample chemical constituents were 52.05 g of moisture, 0.20% of acidity, 5.6 of pH, 20.55 g of protein, 23.75 g of fat, 0 g of fibre, 192mg /100 g of calcium, 3.12 mg of iron respectively. The overall acceptability score was observed as highly acceptable with score point of 8.4±0.70in P1 when compared to control P0 was 8.1±0.73. The unit cost production of 100 g of the functional coconut paneer was Rs.25/100gwhereas control was Rs.22/100 g of packets respectively.

Evaluating protein quality in edible insects: A comparative analysis of house cricket, yellow mealworm, and migratory locust using DIAAS methodologies

Edible insects have garnered attention as a sustainable and nutritious food source, offering a solution to food security challenges. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. This study investigated the protein quality of three edible insect species—Acheta domesticus (house cricket), Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm), and Locusta migratoria (migratory locust). The results demonstrated that all insects are rich in protein, ranging from 67.49 to 72.36 g per 100 g of dry weight, with a complete profile of essential amino acids, notably high in leucine. The total protein digestibility, reflecting the percentage of absorbed protein, ranged from 74.47% to 85.18%, indicating efficient utilization by the human body. In order to provide a more comprehensive assessment of protein quality, this study employed the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS), offering a comprehensive approach to protein quality assessment based on the human body's requirements for essential amino acids. For DIAAS, three calculation methods were used, incorporating a universal conversion factor of 6.25, an insect-specific conversion factor of 5.33, and the sum of amino acids. Using a conversion factor of 5.33 for protein calculation resulted in higher DIAAS values than using a factor of 6.25. The method based on the sum of individual amino acids in the dry matter provided the DIAAS values in the following order: 96.61 ± 8.86% for house cricket, 89.71 ± 9.22% for migratory locust, and 103.32 ± 10.11% for yellow mealworm, indicating good to excellent protein quality for all insect species. These findings highlight the importance of accurate protein content determination and its impact on assessing the nutritional quality of edible insects.

Determination of pre-harvest sprouting tolerance and quality traits of the bread wheat landraces

In this study, pre-harvest sprouting tolerance and some quality characteristics of some wheat landraces and modern varieties in Turkey were determined. In Eskişehir, Karaman and Samsun locations of Turkey, 126 genotypes were tested in the 2014-2015 growing seasons, and 48 genotypes were tested in the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 growing seasons in two-replication experiments. Data regarding germination index, protein content, sedimentation volume and falling number of genotypes were observed. Physical properties of grain, the number of days to spike, and plant height were also investigated. The difference between genotypes was found to be statistically significant for all traits. We found the germination index of the genotypes varied between 0.19 and 0.70 for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 growing seasons, respectively. The average germination index value of red kernel genotypes is lower than white kernel genotypes. The landraces from Turkiye included in the research were taller and harvested lately. In comparison, modern genotypes are in the first place regarding sedimentation volume. The landraces had higher protein content but lower protein qualities than modern cultivars. The grain hardness of landraces was lower than that of modern cultivars in the three years. We found positive relationships between the germination index, grain filling time, thousand-grain weight, and grain color. Protein content, sedimentation volume, falling number, and grain hardness are negatively and significantly related to the germination index. The results showed that white kernel Clark's Cream and red kernel Karakılçık (1) genotypes could be used as gene sources for pre-harvest sprouting tolerance breeding in bread wheat.

Targeting chaperone-mediated autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases: mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

The pathological hallmarks of various neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease prominently feature the accumulation of misfolded proteins and neuroinflammation. Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) has emerged as a distinct autophagic process that coordinates the lysosomal degradation of specific proteins bearing the pentapeptide motif Lys-Phe-Glu-Arg-Gln (KFERQ), a recognition target for the cytosolic chaperone HSC70. Beyond its role in protein quality control, recent research underscores the intimate interplay between CMA and immune regulation in neurodegeneration. In this review, we illuminate the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways governing CMA. We further discuss the potential roles of CMA in maintaining neuronal proteostasis and modulating neuroinflammation mediated by glial cells. Finally, we summarize the recent advancements in CMA modulators, emphasizing the significance of activating CMA for the therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative diseases.

Nutritional Composition of Marine Water Fishes of Bangladesh: A Review

Marine fishes have been recognized for high quality protein and essential fatty acids which play a vital role in human being for nutrition and disease prevention. This review focuses on the nutrient composition of marine fishes in Bangladesh. Nutrient composition data was collected through literature searching in databases and source, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, World Fish, and Bangladesh-based database Banglajol. Published articles contained proximate composition, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids profiles of marine fishes. The highest energy, protein, fat and ash content in 100 g edible raw marine fish was 926 kJ, 50 g, 24.2 g, and 8.4 g, respectively. The maximum amount of minerals such as 8.6 mg iron, 29.3 mg zinc, 1900 mg calcium, 160 µg iodine, 120 µg selenium, 1000 mg phosphorus, 187.98 mg magnesium, 497.4 mg sodium, 764 mg potassium, 1.1 mg manganese, 300 mg sulphur and 0.5 mg copper found in 100 gram edible raw marine fishes. The highest quantity of vitamins was 288.7 µg vitamin A, 0.9 mg vitamin B6, 15 µg vitamin B12, 13 µg vitamin D, 2.4 mg vitamin E, 17 µg folate, 0.2 mg thiamine, 0.2 mg riboflavin and 19.3 mg niacin in 100 gram edible raw marine fishes. According to available data, marine fish are good sources of protein, vitamins, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and fatty acids. This illustrates the diversity in nutrient content of fish species which should guide policy and programs to improve food and nutrition security in Bangladesh.

Optimizing protein quality: synergies and comparisons of single and combined alternative proteins from diverse sources

Optimizing protein quality: synergies and comparisons of single and combined alternative proteins from diverse sources

Cryo-EM structures of human ClpXP reveal mechanisms of assembly and proteolytic activation.

The human ClpXP complex (hClpXP) plays a central role in mitochondrial protein quality control by degrading misfolded or unneeded proteins. While bacterial ClpXP complexes have been extensively characterized, the molecular determinants underlying hClpXP assembly and regulation are not as well understood. We determined cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of hClpP in isolation and in complex with hClpX, revealing how hClpX binding promotes rearrangement of an asymmetric hClpP heptamer to assemble as a symmetric tetradecamer. Our hClpXP structure also highlights the stabilizing role of a previously uncharacterized eukaryotic ClpX sequence, referred to as the E-loop, and its importance in ATPase activity and hexamer assembly. We further show that peptide interaction with the hClpP proteolytic active site promotes the complex to adopt a proteolytically competent conformation. Together, these findings advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms defining hClpXP activation and function.

Breeding and biotechnology approaches to enhance the nutritional quality of rapeseed byproducts for sustainable alternative protein sources- a critical review.

Global protein consumption is increasing exponentially, which requires efficient identification of potential, healthy, and simple protein sources to fulfil the demands. The existing sources of animal proteins are high in fat and low in fiber composition, which might cause serious health risks when consumed regularly. Moreover, protein production from animal sources can negatively affect the environment, as it often requires more energy and natural resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, finding alternative plant-based protein sources becomes indispensable. Rapeseed is an important oilseed crop and the world's third leading oil source. Rapeseed byproducts, such as seed cakes or meals, are considered the best alternative protein source after soybean owing to their promising protein profile (30%-60% crude protein) to supplement dietary requirements. After oil extraction, these rapeseed byproducts can be utilized as food for human consumption and animal feed. However, anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) like glucosinolates, phytic acid, tannins, and sinapines make them unsuitable for direct consumption. Techniques like microbial fermentation, advanced breeding, and genome editing can improve protein quality, reduce ANFs in rapeseed byproducts, and facilitate their usage in the food and feed industry. This review summarizes these approaches and offers the best bio-nutrition breakthroughs to develop nutrient-rich rapeseed byproducts as plant-based protein sources.

Disrupted Nitric Oxide Homeostasis Impacts Fertility through Multiple Processes Including Protein Quality Control.

Plant fertility is fundamental to plant survival and requires the coordinated interaction of developmental pathways and signaling molecules. Nitric oxide (NO) is a small, gaseous signaling molecule that plays crucial roles in plant fertility as well as other developmental processes and stress responses. NO influences biological processes through S-nitrosation, the posttranslational modification of protein cysteines to S-nitrosocysteine (R-SNO). NO homeostasis is controlled by S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), which reduces S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), the major form of NO in cells. GSNOR mutants (hot5-2/gsnor1) have defects in female gametophyte development along with elevated levels of reactive nitrogen species and R-SNOs. To better understand the fertility defects in hot5-2, we investigated the in vivo nitrosoproteome of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) floral tissues coupled with quantitative proteomics of pistils. To identify protein-SNOs, we used an organomercury-based method that involves direct reaction with S-nitrosocysteine, enabling specific identification of S-nitrosocysteine-containing peptides and S-nitrosated proteins. We identified 1102 endogenously S-nitrosated proteins in floral tissues, of which 1049 were unique to hot5-2. Among the identified proteins, 728 were novel S-nitrosation targets. Notably, specific UDP-glycosyltransferases and argonaute proteins are S-nitrosated in floral tissues and differentially regulated in pistils. We also discovered S-nitrosation of subunits of the 26S proteasome together with increased abundance of proteasomal components and enhanced trypsin-like proteasomal activity in hot5-2 pistils. Our data establish a method for nitrosoprotein detection in plants, expand knowledge of the plant S-nitrosoproteome, and suggest that nitro-oxidative modification and NO homeostasis are critical to protein quality control in reproductive tissues.

Antioxidants, ACE I Inhibitory Peptides, and Physicochemical Composition, with a Special Focus on Trace Elements and Pollutants, of SPRING Spawning Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus) Milt and Hydrolysates for Functional Food Applications

Norwegian spring spawning (NVG) herring milt is a raw material with high nutritional and functional values. However, its incorporation into food presents physicochemical and sensory challenges. Its high DNA content, the presence of TMA/TMAO and possibly heavy metal and/or environmental pollutants, and its bitter taste due to amino acids or peptides requires a careful approach to food development. Hydrolysis with food-grade enzymes enable an improvement in both the functional and sensory properties of the substrate and the increased stability of the raw materials and end products. HLPC, GC-MS, and in vitro protocols were used for the characterisation of manually extracted material (sample code: HMC) and milt from a fish-filleting line from early spring/late autumn catches. Three different food-grade protein hydrolysates were prepared from these raw materials (sample codes: H1, H2, and H3) as a means to estimate their functional food development potential. Combinations of three commercial enzymatic preparations were applied, targeting specific sensory properties. Parameters related to consumer safety (e.g., the presence of heavy metals and TMA/TMAO); beneficial health effects, such as antioxidant or antihypertensive bioactivities (measured using in vitro TAC, ORAC, DPPH, and ACE I inhibitory activity assays); the presence of beneficial fatty acids and micronutrients; and the protein quality were studied. On the basis of their total amino acid compositions, freeze-dried herring milt and hydrolysates could provide high-quality protein with most of the essential amino acids and taurine. Powdered milt has a particularly high fatty acid profile of bioavailable omega-3 fatty acids (2024.06 mg/100 g docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) and 884 mg/100 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3)). The experimentally measured levels of arsenic (3.9 ± 1.2 mg/kg) and cadmium (0.15 ± 0.05 mg/kg) were higher than the levels of the other two heavy metals (mercury and lead). The bioactivity is concentration-dependent. Overall, this work presents complementary information for the future utilisation of C. harengus powdered milt (possibly obtained directly from a fish-filleting line) and some of its protein hydrolysates as food ingredients.