Alpha-synuclein is a neuronal protein that regulates synaptic vesicle trafficking and subsequent neurotransmitter release. It is abundant in the brain, while smaller amounts are found in the heart, muscle and other tissues.
How does alpha-synuclein affect dopamine?
α-Synuclein has been shown to regulate the production of dopamine in cultured cells through its interaction with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for converting tyrosine to L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in the dopamine synthesis pathway [35,36] (Figure 2).18 Oct 2010
Where does alpha-synuclein accumulate in Parkinsons?
α-Synuclein is a highly soluble unfolded protein that accumulates in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in Parkinson disease and other synucleinopathies.
What causes the accumulation of alpha-synuclein?
It is likely that aggregation of α-synuclein results either from an increased release of α-synuclein and increased cell-to-cell transfer or via accumulated cellular levels of the protein [38].
What is alpha-synuclein and what is known about its role in Parkinson's disease?
Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a key protein involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. PD is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neuronal cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the abnormal accumulation and aggregation of α-Syn in the form of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites.23 Apr 2020
Why does alpha-synuclein aggregation?
Impairments in mitochondrial function or an increase in oxidative stress can induce protein modifications that facilitate the conversion of α-synuclein to a fibrillar pathway. Changes in membrane composition or changes in expression of binding partners can initiate α-synuclein aggregation.6 Mar 2020
Does alpha-synuclein cause Parkinson's?
α-Synuclein is a presynaptic neuronal protein that is linked genetically and neuropathologically to Parkinson's disease (PD).
What causes a build up of alpha-synuclein?
Exposure of neurons expressing endogenous levels of α-synuclein to fibrils causes formation of α-synuclein inclusions that morphologically and biochemically resemble Lewy neurites and Lewy bodies [15].6 Mar 2020
What foods contain alpha-synuclein?
Several less commonly consumed food products such as calves' brain (i.e., sweet breads) and bone marrow from cows are a rich source of α-synuclein because of the abundant α-synuclein expression in neurons122,123 and hemopoietic cells/megakaryocytes,124 respectively.24 Nov 2017
How do you get rid of alpha-synuclein?
Extracellular alpha-synuclein is cleared by extracellular proteolytic enzymes, or taken up by neighboring cells, especially microglia and astrocytes, and degraded within lysosomes.
What causes misfolded alpha-synuclein?
The reason why alpha-synuclein becomes misfolded in the brain or the gut is unknown. We hypothesize that alpha-synuclein misfolding in gut and brain neurons in caused by exposure to proteins of similar structure that are contained in bacteria that reside in the mouth and gut.