The serum biomarkers lectin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein L3 (AFP-L3) is a new generation of tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and yields useful information in the early differential diagnosis of HCC. A successful biomarker analysis program requires up-to-date regulatory knowledge, scientific expertise, and powerful platforms. Creative Biolabs has rich experience in performing method development, validation, and biomarker analysis. Creative Biolabs is a partner you can trust to deliver on your AFP-L3 program every time.
Background
Total AFP is a collection of heterogeneous glycoproteins consisting of three different glycoforms, AFP-L1, AFP-L2, and AFP-L3, based on its binding capability to Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) on affinity electrophoresis. AFP-L3 has-binding activity to LCA and has an additional α 1-6 fucose residue attaching at the reducing terminus of N-acetylglucosamine. It appears to be produced only by cancer cells. Further clinical research has suggested that AFP-L3 is a highly specific marker for HCC. AFP-L3 has proven to be such a biomarker for HCC with a specificity of >95%. Studies reported that malignant liver cells produce AFP-L3 even when HCC is at its early stages.
Fig.1 Structure of AFP-L3.1
Total AFP and AFP-L3 provide different information on liver cancer. The total AFP may be an indicator of tumor mass in liver cancer while AFP-L3 measures the malignant potential of liver cancer cells. A higher ratio of AFP-L3 to total AFP could be an indicator of tumor aggressiveness.
We Have Your Biomarker Assay Needs Covered
AFP-L3 analysis is a useful tool for early tumor recognition and disease diagnosis. Traditional laboratory assays for AFP-L3 detection are based on lectin affinity electrophoresis and WB. Nowadays, Creative Biolabs has developed AFP-L3-specific antibodies for custom biomarker analysis use. Simultaneous determination of AFP-L3 and total AFP concentrations in a provided sample could also be achieved. Results are reported as the percentage ratio of AFP-L3 to total AFP. Besides, Creative Biolabs also develops an analytically sensitive multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (MRM-MS) assay to quantify AFP-L3 in serum.
Collectively, serum AFP-L3 serves as a novel diagnostic biomarker for the detection of the early stage of HCC with higher sensitivity than AFP. Creative Biolabs is competent to provide our global clients with AFP-L3 determination services through ELISA, electrochemical assay, or chemiluminescence immunoassay. If you cannot find the service you're looking for, contact us today to develop custom solution for specific needs.
Reference
- Wu, Chen-Shiou, et al. "Development of a highly sensitive glycan microarray for quantifying AFP-L3 for early prediction of hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma." PLoS One 9.6 (2014): e99959. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
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