Anti-HPAFP

The Uses of Anti-HPAFP

Monoclonal Anti-AFP antibody produced in mouse has been used in immunocytochemistry.

General Description

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 hepatoma or teratoma. 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. (provided by RefSeq)

Biochem/physiol Actions

Alpha-fetoprotein encoded by the gene AFP is involved in the regulation of fatty acids in both fetal and proliferating adult liver cells. Its expression is found to be increased in acute liver injuries, indicating active liver regeneration. It has been associated with fatty liver disease (FLD), a disease that may lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It serves as a tumor marker for HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma).