Mouse anti-Human Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Monoclonal Antibody

Uniprot Id

P02771

Target Species

Human

Target Name

AFP

Target Full Name

Alpha-fetoprotein

Target Function

Binds copper, nickel, and fatty acids as well as, and bilirubin less well than, serum albumin. Only a small percentage (less than 2%) of the human AFP shows estrogen-binding properties.

Target Involvement

Alpha-fetoprotein deficiency (AFPD); Alpha-fetoprotein, hereditary persistence (HPAFP)

Target Subcellular Location

Secreted.

Target Protein Families

ALB/AFP/VDB family

Target Tissue Specificity

Plasma. Synthesized by the fetal liver and yolk sac.

Target Synonyms

AFPD; FETA; HPAFP; Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)

Target Background

This gene encodes alpha-fetoprotein, a major plasma protein produced by the yolk sac and the liver during fetal life. Alpha-fetoprotein expression in adults is often associated with hepatocarcinoma and with teratoma, and has prognostic value for managing advanced gastric cancer. However, hereditary persistance of alpha-fetoprotein may also be found in individuals with no obvious pathology. The protein is thought to be the fetal counterpart of serum albumin, and the alpha-fetoprotein and albumin genes are present in tandem in the same transcriptional orientation on chromosome 4. Alpha-fetoprotein is found in monomeric as well as dimeric and trimeric forms, and binds copper, nickel, fatty acids and bilirubin. The level of alpha-fetoprotein in amniotic fluid is used to measure renal loss of protein to screen for spina bifida and anencephaly.