[13] GFAP is closely related to the other three non-epithelial type III IF family members, vimentin, desmin and peripherin, which are all involved in the structure and function of the cell's cytoskeleton.

To form networks, the initial GFAP dimers combine to make staggered tetramers,[19] which are the basic subunits of an intermediate filament.

In spite of this increased variability, the head of GFAP contains two conserved arginines and an aromatic residue that have been shown to be required for proper assembly.

[6][21][22] It is involved in many important CNS processes, including cell communication and the functioning of the blood brain barrier.

Studies have also shown that GFAP knockout mice undergo multiple degenerative processes including abnormal myelination, white matter structure deterioration, and functional/structural impairment of the blood–brain barrier.

[26] Biochemical studies of GFAP have shown MgCl2 and/or calcium/calmodulin dependent phosphorylation at various serine or threonine residues by PKC and PKA[27] which are two kinases that are important for the cytoplasmic transduction of signals.

More specifically for its role in the formation of glial scars in a multitude of locations throughout the CNS including the eye[28] and brain.

Patients with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy developed meningoencephalomyelitis with inflammation of the meninges, the brain parenchyma, and the spinal cord.

[31] There are multiple disorders associated with improper GFAP regulation, and injury can cause glial cells to react in detrimental ways.

The scar is formed by astrocytes interacting with fibrous tissue to re-establish the glial margins around the central injury core[32] and is partially caused by up-regulation of GFAP.

Its symptoms include mental and physical retardation, dementia, enlargement of the brain and head, spasticity (stiffness of arms and/or legs), and seizures.

[34] The cellular mechanism of the disease is the presence of cytoplasmic accumulations containing GFAP and heat shock proteins, known as Rosenthal fibers.