The Synaptic Function of α-Synuclein.

TitleThe Synaptic Function of α-Synuclein.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsBurré J
JournalJ Parkinsons Dis
Volume5
Issue4
Pagination699-713
Date Published2015
ISSN1877-718X
Keywordsalpha-Synuclein, Humans, Parkinson Disease, Synapses
Abstract

α-Synuclein is an abundant neuronal protein which localizes predominantly to presynaptic terminals, and is strongly linked genetically and pathologically to Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. While the accumulation of α-synuclein in the form of misfolded oligomers and large aggregates defines multiple neurodegenerative diseases called "synucleinopathies", its cellular function has remained largely unclear, and is the subject of intense investigation. In this review, I focus on the structural characteristics of α-synuclein, its cellular and subcellular localization, and discuss how this relates to its function in neurons, in particular at the neuronal synapse.

DOI10.3233/JPD-150642
Alternate JournalJ Parkinsons Dis
PubMed ID26407041
PubMed Central IDPMC4927875