Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Studying Pre-formed Fibril Induced α-Synuclein Accumulation in Primary Embryonic Mouse Midbrain Dopamine Neurons
Published on: August 16, 2020
Alpha-synuclein and autophagy as common steps in neurodegeneration
Michela Ferrucci1, Livia Pasquali, Stefano Ruggieri
1Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
The major component of Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease (PD) is alpha-synuclein, which is considered as a substrate of the ubiquitin-proteasome (UP) system, although autophagy seems to be equally involved. Here we discuss the co-existence of alpha-synuclein and proteins belonging to the UP system within autophagic granules, further developing as neuronal inclusions. We hypothesize that, following slight insults, both UP and autophagy are induced; if toxic stimuli are prolonged, these pathways are overwhelmed and cell death occurs. We then indicate a protective role of autophagy in PD and suggest it as a therapeutic target to slow down the progression of the disease.
Related Concept Videos
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Autophagy
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
Neural Regulation
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

