GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein) is a member of the intermediate filament protein family which includes desmin, peripherin and vimentin. It is a major protein component in multiple sclerosis plaques but is found to be up-regulated in other instances where there has been damage or the occurrence of disease to the nervous system. GFAP is expressed in cells of astrocytic lineage, peripheral ganglia, and non-myelinating Schwann cells. In addition, neural stem cells also express GFAP. GFAP runs on SDS-PAGE gels at ~55kD, usually associated with lower molecule weight bands which are thought to be proteolytic fragments and alternate transcripts from the single gene. Antibodies to GFAP are useful markers of astrocytic cells and neural stem cells. In addition many types of brain tumors, presumably derived from astrocytic cells, heavily express GFAP. Finally, Alexander's disease was recently shown to be caused by point mutations in protein coding region of the GFAP gene. All forms of Alexander disease are characterized by the presence of Rosenthal fibers, which are GFAP containing cytoplasmic inclusions found in astrocytes.
Applications:
Suitable for use in Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested.
Recommended Dilution:
Immunohistochemistry (Formalin fixed paraffin embedded): 1:50
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Storage and Stability:
May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.
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