Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) antibody

Antigen: Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP)

Synonyms: GFAP, DKFZp459C0729, MGC139638, FLJ45472, AI836096, cb345, gfapl, MGC110485, wu:fb34h11, wu:fk42c12, zgc:110485, etID36982.3, xx:af506734

Clonality: Monoclonal (GF-02)

Host: Mouse

Reactivity: Human

Application: Immunohistochemistry (Frozen Sections) (IHC (fro)), Immunofluorescence (IF), Immunohistochemistry (Paraffin-embedded Sections) (IHC (p)), Western Blotting (WB)

Catalog no.: ABIN238409

Additional Information

Characteristics: Synonyms: Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein

Alternative name: GFAP

Swiss-Prot: P14136

Immunogen: Pellet of porcine brain cold-stable proteins after depolymerization of microtubules.

Cross-Reactivity: Human, Pig (Porcine)

Isotype: IgM  (Matching secondary antibodies)

Clone: GF-02

Description: Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) was discovered by Bignami et al. (1972) as a majorfibrous protein of multiple sclerosis plaques. It was subsequently found to be a member ofthe 10 nm or intermediate filament protein family, specifically the intermediate filamentprotein family Class III, which also includes peripherin, desmin and vimentin. GFAP is heavily, and specifically, expressed in astrocytes and certain other astroglia in thecentral nervous system, in satellite cells in peripheral ganglia, and in non-myelinatingSchwann cells in peripheral nerves. In addition, neural stem cells frequently stronglyexpress GFAP. It is also found in the lens epithelium, Kupffer cells of the liver, in some cellsin salivary tumors and has been reported in erythrocytes. Although its function is not fully understood, GFAP protein is probably involved incontrolling the shape and movement of astrocytes. The protein probably also plays asignificant role in the interactions of astrocytes with other cells, which are required for theformation and maintenance of the insulating layer (myelin) that covers nerve cells. Additionally, GFAP protein may assist in maintaining the protective barrier that allows onlycertain substances to pass between blood vessels and the brain (blood-brain barrier). In adults, GFAP levels increase as a result of the proliferation of astrocytes that occurs in aresponse to a variety of physical, chemical and etiological insults, including Alzheimer'sdisease, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Antibodies to GFAP are therefore very useful as markers of astrocytic cells and neural stemcells and for distinguishing of neoplasms of astrocytic origin from other neoplasms in thecentral nervous system. Finally, Alexander's disease was recently shown to be caused by point mutations in proteincoding region of the GFAP gene (Brenner et al. , 2001). All forms of Alexander disease arecharacterized by the presence of Rosenthal fibers, which are GFAP containing cytoplasmicinclusions found in astrocytes.

Specificity: The antibody GF-02 exclusively reacts with intact GFAP molecules. GFAP is the principalmarker of astroglial cells in the central nervous system, it is specifically expressed insatellite cells in peripheral ganglia and in non myelinating Schwann cells in peripheralnerves. The GFAP protein runs on gels at ~55 kDa protein, usually associated with lower Mw bandswhich are thought to be proteolytic fragments and alternate transcripts from the singlegene. Species: Human, and Porcine. Others not tested.

Application Details

Application Notes: Western Blotting. Immunohistochemistry (paraffin and frozen sections). Immunocytochemistry. Other applications not tested. Optimal dilutions are dependent on conditions and should be determined by the user.

Concentration: 1.0 mg/ml

Purification: Purified

Buffer: PBS, pH 7.4 with 15 mM sodium azide as preservative.

Storage: Store the antibody undiluted at 2-8°C for one month or (in aliquots) at -20°C for longer. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Shelf life: one year from despatch.

Research Area: Stem Cells, Cytoskeleton, Glia marker, Cell/Tissue Markers, Neurology

Restrictions: For Research Use only