protein_function: Promotes endocytosis, possesses opsonic properties andinfluences the mineral phase of bone. Shows affinity for calciumand barium ions.
Alpha2-HS glycoprotein(AHSG), also known as fetuin-A, is a plasma protein displaying high-affinity interaction with calcium phosphate, by which ectopic vascular calcification is prevented. The AHSG polymorphism is attributable to the hereditary variation of AHSG and phosphate serum levels, which may affect skeletal development and chronic disorders such as vascular calcification.1Human plasma protein alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein(AHSG) is composed of two polypeptide chains, A and B, encoded by a single mRNA. Southern blot analysis of mouse x human somatic cell hybrids has mapped the AHSG gene to human chromosome 3 in the region 3q21----qter. Using a recombinant plasmid containing a 1,538 bp insert spanning the entire AHSG coding region, AHSG was localized to chromosomal bands 3q27----q29 by in situ hybridization.2