AFP (a fetoprotein) is a 70kDa serum glycoprotein, and is produced during gestation from fetal liver and yolk sac.
Synonyms: Anti-alpha-1-Fetoprotein antibody produced in rabbit; Anti-alpha-Fetoglobulin antibody produced in rabbit; Anti-alpha-Fetoprotein precursor antibody produced in rabbit
MDL Number: MFCD01092266
Storage: -20C
Application: Anti-AFP antibody produced in rabbit, a Prestige Antibody, is developed and validated by the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) project (www.proteinatlas.org). Each antibody is tested by immunohistochemistry against hundreds of normal and disease tissues. These images can be viewed on the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) site by clicking on the Image Gallery link. The antibodies are also tested using immunofluorescence and western blotting. To view these protocols and other useful information about Prestige Antibodies and the HPA, visit sigma.com/prestige.
Biochem Physiol Actions: AFP (a fetoprotein) levels decrease by the second year of birth and its ectopic expression is linked with tumors, such as hepatobastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and yolk sac tumors. Maximum AFP-expressing tumors are of stomach, bile duct or pancreatic origin. AFP-expressing rectal cancer is extremely rare and is usually metastasized to liver with poor prognosis. In patients with chronic hepatitis C, high levels of this protein are linked with increased risk of developing HCC. In patients with metastatic gastric cancer (GC), follow-up of AFP concentrations can help determine early treatment response. For early and intermediate stages of HCC, the addition of this protein and ascites in the BCLC Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging can improvise prognosis determination.
Legal Information: Prestige Antibodies is a registered trademark of Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC