1.6k views
0 votes
What protein is used as an astrocyte marker?

User Pex
by
8.3k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Astrocytes in the central nervous system are marked by the protein glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).

Step-by-step explanation:

Astrocytes are a type of star-shaped cell in the central nervous system that perform various functions, including the regulation of ions, uptake and breakdown of neurotransmitters, and contributing to the formation of the blood-brain barrier. One protein that is used as a marker for astrocytes is glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In a micrograph, astrocytes that express GFAP are labeled in green, while neurons are not labeled with GFAP.

User Jaromanda X
by
7.4k points