Alpha-fetoprotein

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Alpha-fetoprotein

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (pronounced: al-fa fe-to-pro-tein) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the AFP gene. The AFP gene is located on the q arm of chromosome 4 (4q25).

Etymology

The term "Alpha-fetoprotein" is derived from its high concentration in fetal blood. "Alpha" refers to the first letter of the Greek alphabet, "feto" is derived from the Latin word "fetus" meaning offspring, and "protein" is a basic component of the body's cells.

Function

Alpha-fetoprotein is a glycoprotein that is produced in the liver of a developing fetus. AFP levels are typically high in the blood of a pregnant woman, but can also be elevated in adults with certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer or germ cell tumors.

Clinical significance

In medicine, the amount of AFP in the blood is used as a tumor marker. It can be found in high amounts in the blood of adults with certain types of cancer. An AFP test is a routine part of prenatal care, as it can help detect neural tube defects and other fetal abnormalities.

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