Fetuin-A (AHSG) Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

Alpha2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG), a glycoprotein present in the serum, is synthesized by hepatocytes. The AHSG molecule consists of two polypeptide chains, which are both cleaved from a proprotein encoded from a single mRNA. It is involved in several functions, such as endocytosis, brain development and the formation of bone tissue. The protein is commonly present in the cortical plate of the immature cerebral cortex and bone marrow hemopoietic matrix, and it has therefore been postulated that it participates in the development of the tissues. However, its exact significance is still obscure. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Function: Promotes endocytosis, possesses opsonic properties and influences the mineral phase of bone. Shows affinity for calcium and barium ions.

Subunit structure: Alpha-2-HS glycoprotein derives from this precursor, when the connecting peptide is cleaved off. The two chains A and B are held together by a single disulfide bond.

Subcellular location: Secreted.

Tissue specificity: Synthesized in liver and selectively concentrated in bone matrix. Secreted in plasma. It is also found in dentin in much higher quantities than other plasma proteins.

Post-translational modification: Phosphorylation sites are present in the extracellular medium.O- and N-glycosylated. O-glycosylated with core 1 or possibly core 8 glycans. N-glycan at Asn-156: Hex5HexNAc4; N-glycan heterogeneity at Asn-176: Hex5HexNAc4 (major) and Hex6HexNAc5 (minor). Ref.17 Ref.25 Ref.28

Polymorphism: There are two common alleles, AHSG*1 and AHSG*2. AHSG*1 has Thr-248/Thr-256; AHSG*2 has Met-248/Ser-256.

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the fetuin family.Contains 2 cystatin fetuin-A-type domains.