Alternative Names
NA
Background
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is classified as a member of the albuminoid gene superfamily consisting of albumin, AFP, vitaminD (Gc) protein, and alpha-albumin. AFP is a glycoprotein of 591 amino acids and a carbohydrate moiety. AFP is a major plasma protein produced by the yolk sac and the liver during fetal development. It is thought to be the fetal form of serum albumin. AFP binds to copper, nickel, fatty acids and bilirubin and is found in monomeric, dimeric and trimeric forms. AFP is one of the several embryo-specific proteins and is adominant serum protein as early in human embryonic life as one month, when albumin and transferrin are present in relatively small amounts. It is first synthesized in the human by the yolk sac and liver (1-2 months) and subsequently predominantly in the liver. A small amount of AFP is produced by the GI tract of the human conceptus. It has been proved that AFP may reappear in the serum in elevated amounts in adult life in association with normal restorative processes and with malignnt growth. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a specific marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), teratoblastomas, and neural tube defect (NTD).
Note
For Research Use Only , Not for Diagnostic Use.
