AFP Antibody

Overview

AFP Antibody is a research-use primary antibody intended for detection of AFP in experimental workflows. It is supplied in Purified format. Key antibody attributes include Mouse, Monoclonal (mouse origin), clone MBS-12, isotype Mouse IgG1, kappa. Applications listed for this product include FACS, IF, IHC-P. Reported/annotated localization context: Cytoplasmic. Species reactivity (as provided): Human.

Key elements and design rationale

• Target: AFP — selectivity and interpretation should be considered in the context of isoforms, post-translational modifications, and related family members when applicable.
• Format: Purified — format can influence background, multiplexing compatibility, and downstream detection strategies.
• Antibody identity: Mouse, Monoclonal (mouse origin), clone MBS-12, isotype Mouse IgG1, kappa — these attributes help align secondary reagents and controls (e.g., isotype-matched controls) with your assay design.
• Localization: Cytoplasmic — expected subcellular distribution can guide band/structure interpretation and help flag off-target signal.
• Product notes (from provided description): It recognizes an oncofetal glycoprotein with a single chain of 70kDa, which is identified as alpha fetoprotein (AFP). This mAb is highly specific to AFP and shows no cross-reaction with other oncofetal antigens or serum albumin. The yolk sac and the liver produce AFP during fetal life. AFP expression in adults is often associated with hepatoma or teratoma. However, hereditary persistence of alpha-fetoprotein may also be found in individuals with no obvious pathology. The protein is thought to be the fetal counterpart of serum albumin, and the AFP and albumin genes are present in tandem in the same transcriptional orientation on chromosome 4. AFP is found in monomeric as well as dimeric and trimeric forms, and binds copper, nickel, fatty acids and bilirubin. The level of AFP in amniotic fluid is used to measure renal loss of protein to screen for spinal bifida and anencephaly.

Where multiple assay formats are possible, align the antibody format, host/isotype, and listed applications with your detection system and controls to support clear interpretation of signal.

Biological background

In this catalog, AFP is positioned within Membrane Transport & Trafficking, Renal & Urology, Renal disease research contexts. Localization annotations (e.g., Cytoplasmic) can help contextualize expected signal patterns in imaging and fractionation-based readouts. For authoritative gene/protein nomenclature, domains/isoforms, and curated functional annotations, consult resources such as UniProt, NCBI Gene, and Ensembl.

Research relevance and current trends

• Higher-plex and spatially resolved readouts (e.g., multiplex IF/IHC, spatial omics) are increasing demand for well-characterized primary antibodies with clearly stated host/isotype and labeling strategies.
• Genetic perturbation controls (knockout/knockdown) and orthogonal measurements (e.g., RNA vs protein) are commonly used to strengthen target attribution when interpreting antibody-derived signals.
• Reproducibility initiatives emphasize transparent reporting of antibody identity (clone, host, isotype) and experimental context to improve cross-study comparability.

Common research applications

• FACS: interpret changes in signal in the context of sample composition, epitope accessibility, and potential isoform/PTM differences across conditions.
• IF: interpret changes in signal in the context of sample composition, epitope accessibility, and potential isoform/PTM differences across conditions.
• IHC-P: interpret changes in signal in the context of sample composition, epitope accessibility, and potential isoform/PTM differences across conditions.
• Typical workflow themes: IHC on FFPE tissue, IF/ICC localization, Flow cytometry staining, Specificity controls.
• Workflow notes: Detect AFP by IHC in FFPE tissue sections (optimize antigen retrieval + dilution), Detect AFP localization by IF/ICC in cultured cells (optimize fixation + dilution), Quantify AFP-positive cells by flow cytometry in s…

When comparing conditions, consistent sample processing and appropriate negative/positive controls support interpretation of qualitative localization differences and quantitative abundance changes.

Notes for experimental interpretation

• Isoforms and post-translational modifications may shift apparent molecular weight or epitope accessibility, especially across cell states or treatments.
• Species and tissue context can affect sequence conservation, expression level, and background binding; predicted reactivity should be verified in your sample.
• Control concepts include isotype-matched controls, secondary-only controls (for indirect detection), and genetic/orthogonal controls (e.g., KO/KD, independent antibodies, or RNA measurements) when feasible.

Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies can differ in epitope recognition breadth and lot-to-lot characteristics; consider clonality and clone information (when provided) alongside your assay requirements. Conjugated formats may simplify detection but can change background and multiplexing behavior compared with unconjugated primaries.

Customization & Add-ons: Can’t find the antibody you need—or require a custom format for your assay? We can help you source the best match or support custom antibody solutions for diverse research needs, including species and isotype selection, conjugations and labeling (e.g., HRP/AP, biotin, fluorophores), purification grade options (Protein A/G, affinity purified), formulation preferences (buffer selection, carrier-free, glycerol-free), custom concentrations and aliquoting, low-endotoxin options for cell-based work, and application-focused QC/validation support (project dependent). Click Talk to a Scientist to submit a request, email us at support@biohippo.com, or explore our Research Services for additional support—our team will follow up with feasibility details and next steps.