Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) is a 55 kDa intermediate filament protein predominantly expressed in astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the central nervous system. GFAP plays a crucial role in providing structural support and maintaining the integrity of astrocytes, contributing significantly to the formation of the astrocytic cytoskeleton. It interacts with other cytoskeletal proteins to form a network that supports the structural framework of astrocytes and regulates their morphology. Under normal physiological conditions, GFAP is primarily localized within the cytoplasm of astrocytes, where it contributes to various cellular functions, including cell motility, shape maintenance, and response to mechanical stress. Additionally, GFAP is involved in regulating the homeostasis of ions and neurotransmitters in the extracellular environment, thus influencing neuronal function and synaptic transmission. Download our fact sheet to learn more.