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Sequential Extraction of Soluble and Insoluble Alpha-Synuclein from Parkinsonian Brains
Published on: January 5, 2016
Alpha-synuclein: its biological function and role in neurodegenerative diseases
Batia Kaplan1, Vladimir Ratner, Elisha Haas
1Heller Institute of Medical Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer 52621, Israel. kaplanb@sheba.health.gov.il
Journal of Molecular Neuroscience : MN
|June 10, 2003
Summary
Alpha-synuclein, a protein crucial for neuronal plasticity, is implicated in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Its abnormal accumulation and genetic mutations highlight its central role in neurodegenerative disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Alpha-synuclein is a presynaptic protein with an unclear physiological function.
- Abnormal alpha-synuclein accumulation in Lewy bodies and gene mutations are linked to Parkinson's disease.
- Elevated alpha-synuclein is observed at synapses in Alzheimer's disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the physiological role of alpha-synuclein.
- To understand the involvement of alpha-synuclein in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis.
- To investigate the dual role of alpha-synuclein in synaptic function and amyloid pathology.
Main Methods:
- In vivo and in vitro studies were utilized.
- Analysis of alpha-synuclein overexpression, aggregation, and protein interactions.
- Examination of alpha-synuclein in the context of Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Main Results:
- Overexpression and aggregation of alpha-synuclein critically affect neuronal survival.
- Alpha-synuclein plays a role in synaptic plasticity.
- Alpha-synuclein contributes to amyloid beta-fibrillogenesis in Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-synuclein is central to the pathophysiology of Lewy body disorders.
- Alpha-synuclein exhibits a dual role in Alzheimer's disease, impacting both synaptic function and amyloid pathology.
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