Fetal antigens

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-004397",
  "term": "Fetal antigens",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "Cell surface proteins, glycoproteins, or carbohydrates that are expressed during fetal development but are absent or present at very low levels in normal adult tissues. These molecules are considered oncofetal antigens when they reappear in adults on the surface of cancer cells, a phenomenon resulting from the reactivation of developmental genes. The detection of specific fetal antigens, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), in adult serum can serve as a tumor marker for certain types of cancer.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "carcinoembryonic antigen",
    "serology",
    "alpha-fetoprotein"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1165 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/fetal-antigens/"
}