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Updated: May 26, 2026

Recombinant α- β- and γ-Synucleins Stimulate Protein Phosphatase 2A Catalytic Subunit Activity in Cell Free Assays
Published on: August 13, 2017
Homocysteine increases phosphorylation and aggregation of α-synuclein.
Soichi Enomoto1, Tadanori Hamano1,2, Rei Asano1
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.
Homocysteine (Hcy) increases alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) phosphorylation and aggregation, promoting Lewy body formation in Parkinson's disease. Folate can reverse these effects, suggesting a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Hyperphosphorylation of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) at serine 129 is linked to aggregation and Lewy body (LB) formation in Parkinson's disease (PD).
- Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels are common in PD patients, especially those on Levodopa therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of homocysteine (Hcy) on the phosphorylation and aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-Syn).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a human neuroblastoma cell line (3D5) expressing wild-type α-Syn.
- Treated cells with varying concentrations of Hcy to assess cytotoxicity and effects on α-Syn.
- Examined α-Syn phosphorylation, aggregation, and levels of related proteins like casein kinase 2A.
- Investigated the potential protective effect of folate against Hcy-induced changes.
Main Results:
- Hcy demonstrated cytotoxicity to 3D5 cells, causing cell shrinkage at concentrations above 100 μM.
- Hcy treatment upregulated total α-Syn levels, increased serine 129 phosphorylation, and elevated casein kinase 2A.
- Significantly increased levels of aggregated α-Syn, including oligomers, were observed following Hcy treatment.
- Folate administration effectively reversed the Hcy-induced increases in total α-Syn and its phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- Homocysteine promotes the formation of total, phosphorylated, and oligomeric α-Syn.
- These Hcy-driven modifications contribute to the pathological process of Lewy body formation.
- Folate shows potential in mitigating Hcy-induced α-Syn pathology, offering a possible therapeutic avenue.
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