GFAP recombinant proteins refer to engineered versions of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), a key intermediate filament protein predominantly expressed in astrocytes, which are a type of glial cell in the central nervous system. GFAP is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of astrocytes and plays a role in various neurological processes and diseases. Recombinant GFAP proteins are used in research to study astrocyte function, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Structure and Function

• Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) is a 43-55 kDa protein that forms intermediate filaments within astrocytes. It provides mechanical support and helps maintain the shape and stability of these cells.
• GFAP is involved in various cellular processes, including cell signaling, response to injury, and the regulation of astrocytic functions. Elevated levels of GFAP are often used as a biomarker for astrocyte activation and neuroinflammation in various neurological conditions.
• Recombinant GFAP proteins typically include the full-length protein or specific domains necessary for research into its structure, function, and interactions.

Production

• Recombinant GFAP proteins are produced using expression systems such as E. coli, yeast, insect cells, or mammalian cells. The choice of system depends on the need for proper protein folding and post-translational modifications.
• The gene encoding GFAP is cloned into an expression vector, followed by protein expression and purification using affinity chromatography. Tags like His-tag or GST-tag are often used to aid in the purification process.

Applications

• Neuroscience Research: Recombinant GFAP proteins are used to study the role of astrocytes in the brain and spinal cord. They help researchers investigate astrocyte function, response to injury, and the role of GFAP in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Elevated GFAP levels are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. Recombinant GFAP proteins are used in preclinical studies to explore the role of GFAP in these conditions and to develop potential therapeutic strategies.
• Diagnostic Development: GFAP is a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring neurological diseases. Recombinant GFAP proteins are utilized in the development of assays and diagnostic tests for detecting changes in GFAP levels in clinical samples.
• Cell Biology Studies: These proteins are used to study the dynamics of intermediate filament formation and maintenance, as well as the interaction of GFAP with other cytoskeletal components and signaling molecules.

Validation and Quality Control

• Validation involves confirming the identity, purity, and functionality of recombinant GFAP proteins through techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and mass spectrometry.
• Functional assays, including cell-based assays to test protein interactions and immunohistochemistry to study GFAP distribution in tissue samples, are conducted to ensure that the recombinant proteins exhibit the expected biological properties.