GFAP Degradome Foundation Atlas

This open-access repository introduces the Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) Degradome Foundation Atlas. This comprehensive dataset annotates proteolytic GFAP fragments with detailed information on their amino acid sequences and protein biochemical properties.

Mutations in GFAP can cause Alexander Disease (AxD). The phenotype is heterogenous. The GFAP Degradome Foundation Atlas datasets included 10 GFAP mutations observed in more than 7 people with AxD. These mutation specific datasets may be found informative for ongoing clinical trials in AxD (e.g. antisense oligonucleotides) and targeted selection of GFAP fragments for biomarker based outcome measures and disease monitoring.

The datasets are provided in a tab-delimited ASCII file format.

To generate the dataset, three tools are required: Python, BLAST, and SAS. The accompanying SAS code, atlas-GFAP.sas, is included in the repository for transparency and reproducibility. The python scripts are also uploaded. Note that you will need to replace the path in the python scripts to match your own requirements.

This resource serves as a valuable tool for researchers in neurodegeneration, neurobiology, proteomics, and bioinformatics, offering deeper insights into GFAP degradation and its role in Alexander disease. To explore the full methodology behind the creation, validation, and application of the GFAP Degradome Foundation Atlas, I encourage you to read the original Neurofilament Degradome Atlas paper here: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.70023.