Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025

Studying Pre-formed Fibril Induced α-Synuclein Accumulation in Primary Embryonic Mouse Midbrain Dopamine Neurons
Published on: August 16, 2020
Alpha-Synuclein: The Interplay of Pathology, Neuroinflammation, and Environmental Factors in Parkinson's Disease
Songzhe He1,2, Shan Zhong3, Gang Liu3
1Clinic Laboratory Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China.
Background:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial, chronic, and progressive neurodegenerative disease. α-Synuclein (α-syn), which is the main protein component of Lewy bodies, plays an important role in the pathological hallmarks of PD. However, the pathological function of α-syn and the molecular mechanisms responsible for the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons are still elusive.
Summary:
Cumulative evidence implicates that abnormal processing of α-syn will be predicted to lead to pathological changes in PD. Key Messages: In this review, we summarize the structure and physiological function of α-syn, and further discuss the interplay of pathology, neuroinflammation, and environmental factors in PD. Additionally, we suggest future directions for understanding the toxicity of α-syn to neurons, which may ultimately encourage us to better design disease-modifying therapeutic strategies for PD.
Related Concept Videos
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Neural Regulation
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...

