a-fetoprotein (AFP) is expressed in fetal liver at varying levels throughout development and is present only in trace amounts in normal adult tissues. AFP can be detected at abnormally high concentrations in hepatocellular carcinomas as well as in the plasma and ascitic fluid of adults with hepatoma. High AFP concentrations have been correlated with tumor cell growth, indicating
that AFP can serve as a tumor marker. AFP binds copper, nickel and fatty acids, and in some cases may bind serum albumin or estrogen. It has been demonstrated that the AFP promoter is a target for NF-1 (nuclear factor-1), HNF-1 (hepatocyte nuclear factor-1) and C/EBP transcription factors. While HNF-1 binding to the AFP promoter results in AFP expression, NF-1 binding results in a decrease in AFP promoter activity.