title: GFAP and its role in Alexander disease.
abstract: Here we review how GFAP mutations cause Alexander disease. The current data suggest that a combination of events cause the disease. These include: (i) the accumulation of GFAP and the formation of characteristic aggregates, called Rosenthal fibers, (ii) the sequestration of the protein chaperones alpha B-crystallin and HSP27 into Rosenthal fibers, and (iii) the activation of both Jnk and the stress response. These then set in motion events that lead to Alexander disease. We discuss parallels with other intermediate filament diseases and assess potential therapies as part of this review as well as emerging trends in disease diagnosis and other aspects concerning GFAP.
authors.affiliation: School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK. r.a.quinlan@durham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Roy A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Quinlan
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brenner
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Goldman
authors.forename: Albee
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Messing
mesh_terms: D038261:Alexander Disease / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D002479:Inclusion Bodies / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D007382:Intermediate Filaments / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018832:Molecular Chaperones / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; D018832:Molecular Chaperones