Trehalose Inhibits A53T Mutant α-Synuclein Overexpression and Neurotoxicity in Transduced PC12 Cells

Fibrillar accumulation of A53T mutant α-synuclein (A53T-AS) in Lewy bodies is a symptom of Parkinsonism. Inhibitions of the overexpression and fibrillar aggregation of α-synuclein (AS) in vivo could be a promising strategy for treating Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, at concentrations lower than 1 mM, trehalose decreased the A53T-AS expression level in transduced PC12 cells. Although H₂O₂ and aluminum ions increased the expression level and neurotoxicity of A53T-AS in cells, proper trehalose concentrations inhibited the event. These studies adequately prove that trehalose at an appropriate dose would be potentially useful for PD treatment.