Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) is a major plasma protein in the fetus, where it is produced by the yolk sac and liver. Direct confirmation of the assignment of the AFP gene to chromosome 4 by in situ hybridization was provided by Harper and Dugaiczyk(1983), who placed the gene in the q11-q22 region, the same region as the albumin gene. Structure and evolution of human alpha-fetoprotein deduced from partial sequence of cloned cDNA.As the major fetal serum protein, Alpha-fetoprotein is not essential for embryonic development but is required for female fertility.
