Alpha-synuclein
Domain : Pathophysiology
Category : My daily life
Simplified definition
A protein that is mainly found in the brain and plays an important role in the transmission of messages between neurons and, thus, in normal brain function. In pathological conditions, it aggregates to form “Lewy bodies”.
Source: Houria Aiouaz, for Alzheimer Foundation
Referenced definition
“[…] A highly soluble unfolded protein that accumulates in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in Parkinson disease and other synucleinopathies.”
Source: Liberski PP, Ritchie DL, Sikorska B. Prion Diseases. In: Zigmond MJ, Wiley CA, Chesselet MF, editors. Title: Neurobiology of Brain Disorders. Second edition. Academic Press; 2015. P. 361-378.
Context
“Aggregation of the alpha-synuclein protein is involved in neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease.”
Source: CNRS. Human neuronal networks for modelizing Parkinson’s disease. [Internet]. 2019 [cited on May 8, 2023].