AFP Analysis - Creative Biolabs

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely tested serum biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening, early diagnosis, and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and prognosis. To support your research development, Creative Biolabs provides full AFP analysis service as a strategic partner for you from sample processing to data analysis.

Background

AFP is a 68 kDa glycoprotein that is produced during fetal stages of development but rapidly declines after birth and typically remains at low levels throughout the remaining life cycle. In adult life, AFP is re-expressed in multiple tumors of endodermal and mixed mesodermal/endodermal origin including hepatoblastomas, hepatomas, pancreatic/stomach/yolk sac tumors, and teratomas. Serum AFP level can indirectly reflect the ability of tumor cells to synthesize and process AFP protein.

Fig.1 AFP structure model. (Zhu, 2015)

Different molecular forms of AFP are produced in human biological fluids and tissues. These AFP variants display various biological activities or clinical utility as biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of cancer and fetal defects.

We Have Your Biomarker Assay Needs Covered

Serologic biomarkers are attractive tools to assist with the disease's early diagnosis. The previous study has reported AFP-derived immunogenic peptides. Armed with rich experience in antibody development, Creative Biolabs has developed monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to detect serum AFP associated with specific malignancies for research use. Besides, immunohistochemical studies using anti-AFP antibodies could be performed to confirm localization of AFP within the tissue.

On the other hand, although the relationship between serum AFP and HCC has been widely reported, the specificity and sensitivity of the AFP measurement are inadequate and vary according to the cut-off value utilized. As a reliable biomarker analysis expert, Creative Biolabs provides high-quality immunological analysis services to achieve AFP measurement. Multiplex biomarker analysis is also available for pre-clinical research use. Creative Biolabs has also put great efforts into the development of electrochemical immunosensor to detect AFP.