Question

QUESTION 9: One method to visualize different cell types is to use different markers that stain specific classes of proteins. GFAP is a common protein used to identify a certain cell type. Look up and record (A) what GFAP is, and (B) hypothesize what cell type would be stained if you used a GFAP-specific probe.

Answer 1

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a new promising biomarker in astrocytes, ependymal cells, non-myelinating Schwann cells, radial glial cells enteric glial of the nervous system. GFAP is a good biomarker measure during tumor development, strokes and traumatic injury to the brain or spinal cord. It is an intermediate filament protein, monomeric polypeptide synthesized by the GFAP gene. Soon after the injury, it is released into the blood and can be used to measure the level of nerve injury.

It is hypothesized that GFAP staining with GFAP probe can be done in astrocytes, ependymal cells, non-myelinating Schwann cells, radial glial cells enteric glial of the nervous system. It is useful to know if the tumor is of the glial origin or not.