Subcellular localization of alpha-synuclein in primary neuronal cultures: effect of missense mutations

Numerous recent observations have implicated alpha-synuclein in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple-system atrophy. Two missense mutations in the gene for alpha-synuclein have been identified in some cases of familial Parkinson's disease and it is thought that these may disrupt the normal structure of the protein and thus promote aggregation into Lewy body filaments. Here, we examine the subcellular localization of alpha-synuclein in primary cortical neurons maintained in a monolayer culture. The protein has widespread expression throughout neurons, including the nucleus, and has a discete localization in the neurites of more mature neurons, reminiscent of synaptic specializations. Interestingly, in a subpopulation of cortical neurons transfected at 13 days in vitro, we find that alpha-synuclein appears to aggregate into distinct punctate inclusions in the cytoplasm and proximal neurites. Unlike Lewy bodies, these structures are not ubiquitin positive. These regions of alpha-synuclein accumulation are observed following transfections with wild-type, Ala30Pro or Ala53Thr alpha-synuclein; neither mutation alters their frequency.