Work

Alpha-synuclein structure and Parkinson’s disease – lessons and emerging principles

Year: 2019

Type: review

Abstract: Alpha-synuclein (αS) is the major constituent of Lewy bodies and a pathogenic hallmark of all synucleinopathathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). All diseases are determined by αS aggregate deposition but can be separated into distinct pathological phenotypes and diagnostic criteria. Here we attempt to reinterpret the literature, particularly in terms of how αS structure may relate to pathology. We do so in the context of a rapidly evolving field, taking into account newly revealed structural information on both native and pathogenic forms of the αS protein, including recent solid state NMR and cryoEM fibril structures. We discuss how these new findings impact on current understanding of αS and PD, and where this information may direct the field.

Source: Molecular Neurodegeneration

DOI: 10.1186/s13024-019-0329-1

Authors: Richard M. Meade, David P. Fairlie, Jody M. Mason

Institutions: University of Bath, The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Language: English

Topic: Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments

Subfield: Clinical Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,580