Access GFAP (RUO) Immunoassay
Increased levels of GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) may serve as an indicator of reactive astrogliosis, the process where astrocytes undergo morphological, molecular, and functional changes in response to central nervous system injury, disease, or inflammation.1
Research has shown elevated GFAP levels in blood from individuals both before and after the onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) symptoms, suggesting it could be an early indicator of underlying AD pathology, particularly amyloid accumulation, though it is not specific to AD.
Unlike other plasma biomarkers, GFAP is astrocyte-specific and often shows stronger fold-changes in blood. It tends to rise earlier than phosphorylated tau markers, closely tracking amyloid pathology and predicting subsequent cognitive decline. However, GFAP is not specific to AD, as elevations can also occur in other neurological conditions.2,3
Request more infoGFAP
GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) is a type III intermediate filament protein in astrocytes that is a major component of the astrocytic cytoskeleton. It helps provide structural support, mechanical strength, and contributes to astrocyte morphology
In AD, GFAP elevation correlates with amyloid pathology, disease progression, and cognitive decline. However, GFAP is associated with multiple CNS pathologies involving astrocyte damage, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.
GFAP Alzheimer’s disease research
Plasma GFAP, a promising biomarker for neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, is being studied as an indicator of astrocyte activation and gliosis, an early hallmark of astrocytic activation in AD.
Assay Characteristic |
Access GFAP (RUO) |
Assay format | One-step sandwich |
Recommended sample type(s) | Plasma (K2-EDTA) |
Unit of measure | pg/mL |
Analytical Measuring Range | 0.057 – 300 pg/mL |
Open reagent pack stability | 2 to 10°C for 14 days |
Open calibrator pack stability | 2 to 10°C for 14 days |
Open QC vial stability | 2 to 10°C for 14 days |
Sample volume (uptake) | Access 2: 110 µL DxI 9000: 105 µL |
Time to first result (approximate) | Access 2: ~33 minutes DxI 9000: ~26 minutes |
Imprecision (%CV) Within-Laboratory | Access 2 & DxI 9000: ~2.4 – 7.8% |
We are committed to research that advances the future of neurodegenerative disease diagnostics to make them more accessible to people around the world. Leveraging our history of IVD development, we are empowering cutting-edge research with high-quality, innovative assays that deliver accurate and affordable testing solutions at scale. Learn more about our comprehensive solutions.
New High-throughput, Fully Automated Immunoassay for Plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
GFAP and neurodegenerative diseases
Increased levels of GFAP can serve as a marker for astrocytic activation in neurological disorders, including AD but it is not specific to neurodegeneration. Elevated GFAP blood levels have been shown to correlate with cognitive decline in AD and other conditions, though the strongest associations are with amyloid pathology and disease progression in AD.
Understanding GFAP levels may help to further research into the role of astrocytes in the pathology of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration across multiple CNS disorders.
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References:
1. Escartin C, Galea E, Lakatos A, et al. Reactive astrocyte nomenclature, definitions, and future directions. Nat Neurosci. 2021;24(3):312-325. doi:10.1038/s41593-020-00783-4
2. Kim KY, Shin KY, Chang K-A. GFAP as a Potential Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cells. 2023;12(9). doi:10.3390/cells12091309
3. Phillips JM, Winfree RL, Seto M, et al. Pathologic and clinical correlates of region-specific brain GFAP in Alzheimer’s disease. Acta Neuropathol. 2024;148(1):69. doi:10.1007/s00401-024-02828-5
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