Overview:

Alpha-synuclein is a member of the synuclein family which also includes beta- and gamma-synuclein. These proteins are abundantly expressed in the brain and alpha- and beta-synuclein selectively inhibit phospholipase D2 which is a highly conserved protein that is also abundant in neurons, especially presynaptic terminals (1). Alpha-synuclein gene is not a major risk factor in familial Parkinson disease (2). Alpha-synuclein may serve to integrate pre-synaptic signaling and membrane trafficking and Alpha-synuclein peptides are a major component of amyloid plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Genbank Number:

NM_000345

References:

1. Giasson, B. I. et.al: Oxidative damage linked to neurodegeneration by selective alpha-synuclein nitration in synucleinopathy lesions. Science 290: 985-989, 2000.
2. Markopoulou, K. et.al: Greek-American kindred with autosomal dominant, levodopa-responsive Parkinsonism and anticipation. Ann. Neurol. 38: 373-378, 1995.