Background
This gene encodes the most abundant protein in human blood. This protein functions in the
regulation of blood plasma colloid osmotic pressure and acts as a carrier protein for a wide
range of endogenous molecules including hormones, fatty acids, and metabolites, as well as
exogenous drugs. Additionally, this protein exhibits an esterase-like activity with broad
substrate specificity. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the
mature protein. A peptide derived from this protein, EPI-X4, is an endogenous inhibitor of the
CXCR4 chemokine receptor.
