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Generation of Alpha-Synuclein Preformed Fibrils from Monomers and Use In Vivo
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Synaptic failure and α-synuclein.

Laura Calo1, Michal Wegrzynowicz1, Jessica Santivañez-Perez1

  • 1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society
|January 22, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Alpha-synuclein (αSYN) plays a role in synaptic function. This review highlights synapses as the primary site of αSYN pathology in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Keywords:
synapseα-synucleinα-synucleopathies

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Neuropathology

Background:

  • The physiological role of alpha-synuclein (αSYN) is not fully understood.
  • αSYN is primarily found in presynaptic terminals, influencing synaptic function and plasticity.
  • It is involved in neurotransmitter homeostasis, regulating vesicle trafficking and interacting with transporters.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence positioning synapses as the central site of αSYN pathology.
  • To explore the propagation of αSYN pathology within the brain.
  • To examine the role of αSYN in α-synucleinopathies like Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on αSYN.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on synaptic function and pathology.
  • Examination of evidence linking αSYN to neurodegenerative diseases.

Main Results:

  • Synapses are proposed as the primary location for αSYN pathology.
  • αSYN dysfunction is implicated in the propagation of disease.
  • Presynaptic dysfunction is identified as a key event in α-synucleinopathies.

Conclusions:

  • αSYN pathology originates and spreads from synapses.
  • Presynaptic dysfunction is a fundamental aspect of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies pathogenesis.
  • Further research into αSYN's synaptic role is crucial for understanding and treating these diseases.