New GFAP splice isoform (GFAPµ) differentially expressed in glioma translates into 21 kDa N?terminal GFAP protein

The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a type III intermediate filament (IF) that highly expressed in astrocytes, neural stem cells, and gliomas. Gliomas are heterogeneous group of primary brain tumors arise from glia cells or rely on accurate diagnosis for prognosis treatment strategies. GFAP differentially between glioma subtypes and, therefore, often used as diagnostic marker. However, regulated by the process alternative splicing; many different isoforms have been identified. Differential expression suggests isoform-specific analyses could benefit diagnostics. In this study we report differential new isoform subtypes, GFAPµ. A short transcript resulting exon 2 skipping was detected RNA sequencing human glioma. We show GFAPµ mRNA healthy tissue, cell lines, it translates into ~21 kDa protein. 21 IF fraction isolated spinal cord well. further induced disrupts network. characterization adds to numerous previously identified splice isoforms. It emphasizes importance studying contribution variants specialized functions network research.