Human Alkaline Phosphatase/ALPL Antibody

Four distinct genes encode alkaline phosphatases (APs) in humans (1). The ALPL gene encodes the liver/bone/kidney isozyme, also known as the tissue-nonspecific AP (TNAP). In comparison, ALPI, ALPP and ALPPL2 encode intestinal, placental and placental-like or germ cell APs, respectively. The serum levels of human APs are useful tumor markers (2). There are many mutations in the ALPL gene, leading to different forms of hypophosphatasia, characterized by poorly mineralized cartilage and bones (3). The native ALPL is a glycosylated homodimer attached to the membrane through a GPI-anchor. The C-terminal pro peptide (residues 503‑524) is not present in the mature form.