Alpha-synuclein modulates dopamine neurotransmission

Publication date: Available online 19 June 2016 Source:Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy Author(s): Brittany Butler, Danielle Sambo, Habibeh Khoshbouei Alpha-synuclein is a small, highly charged protein encoded by the synuclein or SNCA gene that is predominantly expressed in central nervous system neurons. Although its physiological function remains enigmatic, alpha-synuclein is implicated in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and in neurodegenerative diseases such as Dementia with Lewy bodies. Here we have focused on reviewing the existing literature pertaining to wild-type alpha-synuclein structure, its properties, and its potential involvement in regulation of dopamine neurotransmission.
Source: Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research