AFP

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]

Alpha Fetoprotein

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.

Cellular protein metabolic process
Post-translational protein modification

Secreted

Alpha-fetoprotein deficiency (AFPD): A benign condition characterized by undetectable AFP levels in the amniotic fluid. Affected individuals are asymptomatic and present normal development.
Alpha-fetoprotein, hereditary persistence (HPAFP): A benign autosomal dominant condition characterized by continued expression of alpha-fetoprotein in adult life.

Independent studies suggest heterogeneity of the N-terminal sequence of the mature protein and of the cleavage site of the signal sequence.
Sulfated.