AFP Polyclonal Antibody

developmental stage:Occurs in the plasma of fetuses more than 4 weeks old, reaches the highest levels during the 12th-16th week of gestation, and drops to trace amounts after birth. The serum level in adults is usually less than 40 ng/ml. AFP occurs also at high levels in the plasma and ascitic fluid of adults with hepatoma.,function: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.,online information:Alpha-fetoprotein entry,PTM:Independent studies suggest heterogeneity of the N-terminal sequence of the mature protein and of the cleavage site of the signal sequence.,PTM:Sulfated.,similarity:Belongs to the ALB/AFP/VDB family.,similarity:Contains 3 albumin domains.,subunit:Dimeric and trimeric forms have been found in addition to the monomeric form.,tissue specificity:Plasma. Synthesized by the fetal liver and yolk sac.,