GFAP Antibody

Overview

GFAP Antibody is a research-use primary antibody intended for detection of GFAP in experimental workflows. It is supplied in Purified format. Key antibody attributes include Mouse, Monoclonal (mouse origin), clone 3F2, isotype Mouse IgG1. Applications listed for this product include WB, IHC-P, IF. Reported/annotated localization context: Cytoplasmic. Species reactivity (as provided): Human, Mouse, Rat.

Key elements and design rationale

• Target: GFAP — selectivity and interpretation should be considered in the context of isoforms, post-translational modifications, and related family members when applicable.
• Format: Purified — format can influence background, multiplexing compatibility, and downstream detection strategies.
• Antibody identity: Mouse, Monoclonal (mouse origin), clone 3F2, isotype Mouse IgG1 — these attributes help align secondary reagents and controls (e.g., isotype-matched controls) with your assay design.
• Localization: Cytoplasmic — expected subcellular distribution can guide band/structure interpretation and help flag off-target signal.
• Product notes (from provided description): Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a protein that is encoded by the GFAP gene in humans. It is an intermediate filament (IF) protein that is expressed by numerous cell types of the central nervous system (CNS) including astrocytes, and ependymal cells. It is mapped to 17q21.31. GFAP is closely related to its non-epithelial family members, vimentin, desmin, and peripherin, which are all involved in the structure and function of the cell's cytoskeleton. GFAP is thought to help to maintain astrocyte mechanical strength, as well as the shape of cells. This gene has been shown to play a role in mitosis by adjusting the filament network present in the cell. GFAP is necessary for many critical roles in the CNS. What's more, GFAP also plays a role in astrocyte-neuron interactions as well as cell-cell communication.

Where multiple assay formats are possible, align the antibody format, host/isotype, and listed applications with your detection system and controls to support clear interpretation of signal.

Biological background

In this catalog, GFAP is positioned within Neuroscience research contexts. Localization annotations (e.g., Cytoplasmic) can help contextualize expected signal patterns in imaging and fractionation-based readouts. For authoritative gene/protein nomenclature, domains/isoforms, and curated functional annotations, consult resources such as UniProt, NCBI Gene, and Ensembl.

Research relevance and current trends

• Higher-plex and spatially resolved readouts (e.g., multiplex IF/IHC, spatial omics) are increasing demand for well-characterized primary antibodies with clearly stated host/isotype and labeling strategies.
• Genetic perturbation controls (knockout/knockdown) and orthogonal measurements (e.g., RNA vs protein) are commonly used to strengthen target attribution when interpreting antibody-derived signals.
• Reproducibility initiatives emphasize transparent reporting of antibody identity (clone, host, isotype) and experimental context to improve cross-study comparability.

Common research applications

• WB: interpret changes in signal in the context of sample composition, epitope accessibility, and potential isoform/PTM differences across conditions.
• IHC-P: interpret changes in signal in the context of sample composition, epitope accessibility, and potential isoform/PTM differences across conditions.
• IF: interpret changes in signal in the context of sample composition, epitope accessibility, and potential isoform/PTM differences across conditions.
• Typical workflow themes: Western blot validation, IHC on FFPE tissue, IF/ICC localization, Specificity controls.
• Workflow notes: Validate GFAP by Western blot in cell/tissue lysates (include controls), Detect GFAP by IHC in FFPE tissue sections (optimize antigen retrieval + dilution), Detect GFAP localization by IF/ICC in cultured cells (optimi…

When comparing conditions, consistent sample processing and appropriate negative/positive controls support interpretation of qualitative localization differences and quantitative abundance changes.

Notes for experimental interpretation

• Isoforms and post-translational modifications may shift apparent molecular weight or epitope accessibility, especially across cell states or treatments.
• Species and tissue context can affect sequence conservation, expression level, and background binding; predicted reactivity should be verified in your sample.
• Control concepts include isotype-matched controls, secondary-only controls (for indirect detection), and genetic/orthogonal controls (e.g., KO/KD, independent antibodies, or RNA measurements) when feasible.

Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies can differ in epitope recognition breadth and lot-to-lot characteristics; consider clonality and clone information (when provided) alongside your assay requirements. Conjugated formats may simplify detection but can change background and multiplexing behavior compared with unconjugated primaries.

Customization & Add-ons: Can’t find the antibody you need—or require a custom format for your assay? We can help you source the best match or support custom antibody solutions for diverse research needs, including species and isotype selection, conjugations and labeling (e.g., HRP/AP, biotin, fluorophores), purification grade options (Protein A/G, affinity purified), formulation preferences (buffer selection, carrier-free, glycerol-free), custom concentrations and aliquoting, low-endotoxin options for cell-based work, and application-focused QC/validation support (project dependent). Click Talk to a Scientist to submit a request, email us at support@biohippo.com, or explore our Research Services for additional support—our team will follow up with feasibility details and next steps.