AlphaSynuklein

Alpha-synuclein is a protein encoded by the SNCA gene. It is primarily expressed in neuronal cells, particularly in presynaptic terminals. The protein is thought to play a role in regulating neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. While its precise function is still under investigation, it is believed to interact with synaptic vesicles and other proteins involved in synaptic vesicle trafficking.

Alpha-synuclein is intrinsically disordered, meaning it lacks a stable three-dimensional structure in its monomeric form. This characteristic allows it to interact with a variety of molecules and undergo conformational changes. Under certain conditions, alpha-synuclein can misfold and aggregate into insoluble fibrils. These aggregates, known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, are a hallmark neuropathological feature of several neurodegenerative diseases, collectively termed synucleinopathies.

Parkinson's disease is the most prevalent synucleinopathy, characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Other synucleinopathies include dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. The aggregation of alpha-synuclein is considered a key event in the pathogenesis of these disorders, leading to neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Research into the mechanisms of alpha-synuclein aggregation and its toxic effects is a major focus in the study of neurodegenerative diseases.