as-APF

as-APF is a desialylated analogue of antiproliferative factor (APF), a sialoglycopeptide found elevated in the urine of patients with interstitial cystitis (a chronic bladder disorder). as-APF retains the full biological activity of APF and is known for its ability to **inhibit proliferation of bladder epithelial cells and cancer cell lines** in vitro. The primary mechanism involves **high-affinity binding to the extracellular domain of cytoskeleton associated-protein 4 (CKAP4)**, with the main binding site located within amino acids 127–524 of CKAP4. The alteration of signal transduction pathways by APF/as-APF mimics aspects of bladder pathology in interstitial cystitis patients. It is used mainly in cellular and molecular research related to bladder disease, and not as an approved pharmaceutical.

Other names

as-APF