AFP

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), also known as AFPD, FETA, or HPAFP, is a major plasma protein generated via the yolk sac and the liver during fetal life. Generally, the expression of this protein in adults is related to hepatoma or teratoma. Nevertheless, hereditary persistence of AFP may also be found in individuals with no obvious pathology. AFP is considered to be the fetal counterpart of serum albumin, and its genes and albumin genes are located in the same transcriptional orientation on chromosome 4. AFP is found in monomeric and dimeric and trimeric forms, and binds copper, nickel, fatty acids and bilirubin. The level of AFP in amniotic fluid is utilized to detect renal loss of protein to screen for spina bifida and anencephaly.
Commonly, AFP is generated whenever liver cells are regenerating. AFP may be chronically increased with chronic liver diseases, for example, hepatitis and cirrhosis. Improved amounts of AFP are found in several people with a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma and in a liver cancer occurring in infants called hepatoblastoma. Besides, in certain tumors, extremely high concentrations of AFP may be formed. Due to the high expression in certain tumor cells, AFP has emerged as an important target for cancer immunotherapy strategies, such as antibody and ADC (antibody-drug conjugate).
Gene ID: 174
UniProt ID: P02771