P02771

AFP is a vital glycoprotein predominantly synthesized in the fetal liver, where it plays a crucial role in transporting essential ligands such as copper, nickel, and fatty acids within the cell and extracellular environment. In adult tissues, AFP is typically present only in trace amounts; however, its expression is significantly elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver-related cancers, making AFP a critical biomarker for early cancer detection and monitoring tumor progression. The cellular localization of AFP, primarily within the cytoplasm and secreted into the extracellular matrix, is important for its function in ligand transport and its involvement in cancer cell growth and metastasis. Additionally, the regulation of AFP expression is controlled by key transcription factors including HNF-1, which promotes AFP expression, and NF-1, which inhibits its promoter activity.