GFP

GFAP was first identified in the 1970s and has since become a classical marker for astrocytes . The protein is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and function of astrocytes, which provide support and nutrition to neurons, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and repair the CNS following injury .

GFAP is composed of a central rod domain flanked by non-helical head and tail domains. This structure allows it to form intermediate filaments that contribute to the cytoskeleton of astrocytes . The expression of GFAP is not limited to the CNS; it has also been found in other tissues such as the kidneys, testis, and liver .

The primary function of GFAP is to provide structural support to astrocytes. It also plays a role in various cellular processes, including:

• Regulation of cell shape and motility: GFAP helps maintain the shape of astrocytes and enables their movement within the CNS .
• Response to injury: GFAP expression is upregulated in response to CNS injuries, aiding in the formation of a glial scar that isolates damaged tissue and facilitates repair .
• Neurotransmitter regulation: GFAP is involved in the uptake and metabolism of neurotransmitters, contributing to the overall homeostasis of the CNS .

Mutations in the GFAP gene have been linked to various neurological disorders, including Alexander disease, a rare genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of GFAP in astrocytes, leading to the formation of Rosenthal fibers and subsequent CNS dysfunction . Elevated levels of GFAP in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood are also used as biomarkers for CNS injuries and diseases such as multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury .

Ongoing research aims to further elucidate the functions of GFAP and its role in CNS diseases. Understanding the mechanisms underlying GFAP-related pathologies could lead to the development of targeted therapies for neurological disorders .