ABMIUM target intelligence
alpha fetoprotein
AFP (alpha fetoprotein; alpha-fetoprotein) encodes a major fetal plasma protein produced predominantly by the yolk sac and fetal liver. An albumin-family protein, AFP binds fatty acids, bilirubin and several metal ions and is widely studied in fetal development and liver biology.
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Research context & evidence
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Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a secreted fetal plasma protein structurally related to serum albumin. It binds fatty acids, bilirubin, copper and nickel and functions as a carrier protein during fetal life, with high production by the yolk sac and fetal liver before expression falls after birth.
AFP is a common research target in fetal development, hepatic differentiation, hepatocellular and germ-cell tumour biology, and biomarker-method development. Because adult AFP abundance can arise in multiple biological and clinical contexts and hereditary persistence can occur without overt pathology, experiments should interpret AFP alongside tissue, developmental stage, sample type, assay format and supporting validation.
Names used across publications, databases and supplier catalogues.
