Full Name
Alpha Fetoprotein
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 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, Jul 2008]
Alternative Names
AFP; alpha-fetoprotein; HPAFP; FETA; alpha-fetoglobulin; alpha-1-fetoprotein;
Cellular Localization
Extracellular region or secreted
Involvement in Disease
Diseases associated with AFP include Alpha-Fetoprotein Deficiency and Alpha-Fetoprotein, Hereditary Persistence Of.
Related Pathways
Its related pathways are FOXA2 and FOXA3 transcription factor networks and Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Lineage-specific Markers.
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.
Post-translational modifications
1.Independent studies suggest heterogeneity of the N-terminal sequence of the mature protein and of the cleavage site of the signal sequence. 2.Sulfated.
Biologic Classification
Protein Based Therapies
Monoclonal antibody (mAb)
Antibody Clone
yttrium (90Y) tacatuzumab tetraxetan
Description
Recombinant humanized (from mouse) antibody expressed in CHO binding to human AFP. Yttrium (90Y) tacatuzumab tetraxetan is a humanized monoclonal antibody intended for the treatment of cancer. The antibody itself, tacatuzumab, is conjugated with tetraxetan, a chelator for yttrium-90, a radioisotope which destroys the tumour cells.
