α-fetoprotein (AFP) is expressed in fetal liver at varying levels throughout development and is present only in trace amounts in normal adult tissues. AFP can be detected at abnormally high concentrations in hepatocellular carcinomas as well as in the plasma and ascitic fluid of adults with hepatoma. High AFP concentrations have been correlated with tumor cell growth, indicating that AFP can serve as a tumor marker. AFP binds copper, nickel and fatty acids, and in some cases may bind serum albumin or estrogen. It has been demonstrated that the AFP promoter is a target for NF-1 (nuclear factor-1), HNF-1 (hepatocyte nuclear factor-1) and C/EBP transcription factors. While HNF-1 binding to the AFP promoter results in AFP expression, NF-1 binding results in a decrease in AFP promoter activity.
Background References
暂无
Sequence Similarity
Belongs to the ALB/AFP/VDB family.
Tissue Specificity
Plasma. Synthesized by the fetal liver and yolk sac.
Post-translational Modification
Independent studies suggest heterogeneity of the N-terminal sequence of the mature protein and of the cleavage site of the signal sequence.; Sulfated.
Western blot analysis of AFP on Hep G2 (Human hepatocellular carcinoma cell) cell lysate with Rabbit anti-AFP antibody (R1601-1) at 1/1,000 dilution.
Lysates/proteins at 20 µg/Lane. Exposure time: 10 seconds; ECL: K1801
Blocking: 5% NFDM/TBST, 1 hour at room temperature Primary antibody: R1601-1, 1/1,000 in primary antibody dilution buffer (K1803), overnight at 4 ℃ Secondary antibody: Goat anti-Rabbit IgG-HRP (HA1001), 1/50,000 in 5% NFDM/TBST, 1 hour at room temperature
Predicted band size: 69 kDa Observed band size: 69 kDa
ICC staining AFP in HepG2 cells (green). The nuclear counter stain is DAPI (blue). Cells were fixed in paraformaldehyde, permeabilised with 0.25% Triton X100/PBS.
ICC staining AFP in MCF-7 cells (green). The nuclear counter stain is DAPI (blue). Cells were fixed in paraformaldehyde, permeabilised with 0.25% Triton X100/PBS.
ICC staining AFP in Hela cells (green). The nuclear counter stain is DAPI (blue). Cells were fixed in paraformaldehyde, permeabilised with 0.25% Triton X100/PBS.
Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded human liver cancer tissue using anti-AFP antibody. Counter stained with hematoxylin.
Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded human breast cancer tissue using anti-AFP antibody. Counter stained with hematoxylin.
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