Alpha-fetoprotein summary

This gene encodes alpha-fetoprotein, a major plasma protein of the yolk sac and liver during fetal life generated. Alpha-fetoprotein expression in adults is often associated with hepatoma or teratoma. However, hereditary persistence of alpha-fetoprotein can also be found in individuals without any obvious disease. The protein is considered homologous albumin fetal serum, and alpha-fetoprotein and albumin genes are present in tandem in the same transcriptional orientation on chromosome 4. Alpha-fetoprotein is in the monomer as well as dimeric and trimeric forms, and binds copper, nickel, fatty acids and bilirubin. The level of alpha-fetoprotein in the amniotic fluid to be measured against the protein to detect spina bifida and anencephaly renal loss.