In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, there is often an increase in GFAP expression, reflecting astrocyte activation and gliosis. This upregulation of GFAP is a response to neuronal damage and is a marker of the ongoing pathological processes in these diseases. By studying GFAP expression patterns, researchers can gain insights into disease progression and the role of astrocytes in neurodegeneration.