Anti-GFAP antibody [GA-5] - Astrocyte Marker, prediluted (ab9551)

Function

GFAP, a class-III intermediate filament, is a cell-specific marker that, during the development of the central nervous system, distinguishes astrocytes from other glial cells.

Tissue specificity

Expressed in cells lacking fibronectin.

Involvement in disease

Defects in GFAP are a cause of Alexander disease (ALEXD) [MIM:203450]. Alexander disease is a rare disorder of the central nervous system. It is a progressive leukoencephalopathy whose hallmark is the widespread accumulation of Rosenthal fibers which are cytoplasmic inclusions in astrocytes. The most common form affects infants and young children, and is characterized by progressive failure of central myelination, usually leading to death usually within the first decade. Infants with Alexander disease develop a leukoencephalopathy with macrocephaly, seizures, and psychomotor retardation. Patients with juvenile or adult forms typically experience ataxia, bulbar signs and spasticity, and a more slowly progressive course.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the intermediate filament family.

Post-translational
modifications

Phosphorylated by PKN1.

Cellular localization

Cytoplasm. Associated with intermediate filaments.

Alternative names

Database links