Makbule Senel

Human glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a 432-amino acid long polypeptide encoded by the corresponding gene on chromosome 17q21 [1]. It belongs to the type-III intermediate filaments and is responsible for maintaining the mechanical strength of astrocytes which support and regulate the blood-brain barrier [2]. Moreover, GFAP is involved in fundamental and critical astrocytic functions like motility, proliferation, synaptic plasticity, myelination and responses to brain damage [3].

Introduction Despite the advances in diagnosing and managing multiple sclerosis (MS), care for people with progressive multiple sclerosis (pwPMS) remains challenging. Limited treatment options for the progressive disease phase, lack of reparative treatment to restore function, and insufficient tools to evaluate the disease course are some of the critical limitations. Indeed, reliable methods to predict progression in pwPMS are still a significant unmet need.