Description
Key facts
Detection method:Colorimetric,
Sample types:Plasma, Serum,
Reacts with:Human,
Assay type:Sandwich (quantitative),
Sensitivity:= 0.38 ng/mL,
Range:0.625 - 40 ng/mL,
Assay time:4h,
Assay Platform:Microplate
Product details:
Human alpha Fetoprotein ELISA Kit (AFP) ab108838 is a sandwich ELISA to measure Human alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) in serum and plasma with a sensitivity of 0.38 ng/ml.
How the assay works
An alpha Fetoprotein specific antibody has been precoated onto 96-well plates and blocked. Standards or test samples are added to the wells and subsequently an alpha Fetoprotein specific biotinylated detection antibody is added and then followed by washing with wash buffer. Streptavidin-Peroxidase Complex is added and unbound conjugates are washed away with wash buffer. TMB is then used to visualize Streptavidin-Peroxidase enzymatic reaction. TMB is catalyzed by Streptavidin-Peroxidase to produce a blue color product that changes into yellow after adding acidic stop solution. The density of yellow coloration is directly proportional to the amount of alpha Fetoprotein captured in plate.
The entire kit may be stored at -20°C for long term storage before reconstitution - Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Assay Specificity
Our ELISA kits are rigorously validated to ensure the highest level of consistency and reproducibility. Please check the protocol booklet for more details
Human alpha Fetoprotein ELISA Kit (AFP) ab108838 protocol summary
1. Add standard or sample to appropriate wells. Incubate at room temperature
2. Wash and add prepared biotin antibody to each well. Incubate at room temperature.
3. Wash and add prepared Streptavidin-Peroxidase Conjugate. Incubate at room temperature
4. Add Chromogen Substrate to each well. Incubate at room temperature
5. Add Stop Solution to each well. Read at 450 nm immediately.
Properties and Storage Information:
Shipped at conditions-Blue Ice, Appropriate short-term storage conditions--20°C, Appropriate long-term storage conditions-Multi, Storage information-Please refer to protocols
Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
Alpha-fetoprotein also known as alpha 1-fetoprotein or AFP is a glycoprotein composed of a single polypeptide chain with a molecular mass of approximately 69 kDa. AFP is primarily expressed in the fetal liver yolk sac and gastrointestinal tract during embryonic development. In adults the expression of AFP is limited and occurs mainly in the liver. The protein belongs to the albuminoid gene family and shares structural similarity with serum albumin contributing to its role in fetal serum transport.
Biological function summary
Alpha-fetoprotein functions as a fetal plasma protein with roles similar to serum albumin including the binding and transport of ligands such as bilirubin and fatty acids. It does not form part of any larger protein complex but is significant in modulating fetal immune tolerance. In the fetal environment AFP helps protect cells from maternal immune attacks by binding to estrogens and other growth-modulating factors. Its function during pregnancy is critical for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring the fetus's viability.
Pathways
Alpha 1-fetoprotein plays a role in several important biological pathways related to cellular growth and immune response modulation. One such pathway involves regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in the developing liver. AFP interacts with cellular receptors that influence these processes. Additionally it plays a part in immune pathways interacting with elements that control immune overlooking to fetal antigens hence being linked to both hepatic and immune system proteins like albumin and estrogen receptors.
High levels of alpha-fetoprotein are linked to hepatocellular carcinoma and germ cell tumors such as yolk sac tumor. AFP serves as a tumor marker in these conditions aiding in both diagnosis and monitoring treatment response. In liver cancer AFP levels often correlate with tumor burden while in germ cell tumors it connects to proteins like beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG). Both markers are used together in clinical settings to provide insights into tumor progression and therapeutic efficacy.
