Role of Alpha-fetoprotein in Pathogenesis of Cancer

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an albuminoid protein family and considered as the fetal analog of serum albumin. This plasma protein is initially synthesized in the fetal liver and yolk sac and shows maximum peak near the end of the first trimester. Later, concentrations begin to decline prenatally, and drop precipitously after birth. This protein has three key ligand-binding pockets for interaction with various biomolecules. It contains multiple phosphorylation and acetylation sites for regulation of physiological and pathophysiological states. High serum AFP titer is an established biomarker for yolk sac, embryonal and hepatocellular carcinoma. The presen review critically analyzes the certain rescent information of AFP about its clinically involvement in diverse types of cancer.