Description
AFP, also called Alpha-fetoprotein, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the AFP gene. It is mapped to 4q13.3. The level of AFP in amniotic fluid is used to measure renal loss of protein to screen for spina bifida and anencephaly. In rodents AFP binds estradiol to prevent the transport of this hormone across the placenta to the fetus. The main function of this is to prevent the virilization of female fetuses. Moreover, it has an important role as a diagnostic marker, especially in certain tumors and liver diseases of childhood. AFP is also used to test the potential usefulness of plasma alpha fetoprotein determination as a diagnostic marker in biliary atresia, hepatitis, and yolk sac derived tumours