Analysis and Identification of Proteins and Peptides from Goat Horn (Caprae Hircus Cornu) Using nano LC-LTQ/Orbitrap MS

The objective of the present study was to study the proteins and peptides of goat horn (Caprae Hircus Cornu, GH) based on the shotgun strategy. By using LTQ/Orbitrap MS, proteins and peptides were identified from GH aqueous extract. In total, 52 proteins were identified from GH fraction with the molecular weight larger than 3 ku, and 1288 peptides were identified from GH fraction with the molecular weight lower than 3 ku, and these peptides were hydrolyzed from 46 proteins. The identified proteins were keratin, collagen, keratin-associated protein, etc. It can be speculated that the particular “hot regions” in the amino acid sequence which were easier to proteolysis, drop, dissolve and generate a number of peptides. According to the present strategy, proteins and peptides derived from GH aqueous extract can be rapid and efficient identified. The strategy can be applied in analysis and identification of proteins in animal horn derived TCMs, and provide a reference for investigate the material basis of animal horn derived TCMs.