AFP Antibody

α -1-fetoprotein. α -fetoprotein is a major plasma protein produced by the yolk sac and the liver during fetal life. α -fetoprotein expression in adults is often associated with hepatoma or teratoma. However, hereditary persistance of α -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 α -fetoprotein and albumin genes are present in tandem in the same transcriptional orientation on chromosome 4. α -fetoprotein is found in monomeric as well as dimeric and trimeric forms, and binds copper, nickel, fatty acids and bilirubin. The level of α -fetoprotein in amniotic fluid is used to measure renal loss of protein to screen for spina bifida and anencephaly.

AFP antibody can be stored at 4˚ C for short term (weeks) . Long term storage should be at -20˚ C. As with all antibodies care should be taken to avoid repeated freeze thaw cycles. Antibodies should not be exposed to prolonged high temperatures.

Gabant, P., Forrester, L., Nichols, J., Van Reeth, T., De Mees, C., Pajack, B., Watt, A., Smitz, J., Alexandre, H., Szpirer, C., Szpirer, J. Alpha-fetoprotein, the major fetal serum protein, is not essential for embryonic development but is required for female fertility. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 99: 12865-12870, 2002.