Alpha-Synuclein: The Interplay of Pathology, Neuroinflammation, and Environmental Factors in Parkinson's Disease.

Alpha-Synuclein: The Interplay of Pathology, Neuroinflammation, and Environmental Factors in Parkinson's Disease.
Neurodegener Dis. 2021 Jan 19;:1-10
Authors: He S, Zhong S, Liu G, Yang J
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial, chronic, and progressive neurodegenerative disease. α-Synuclein (α-syn), which is the main protein component of Lewy bodies, plays an important role in the pathological hallmarks of PD. However, the pathological function of α-syn and the molecular mechanisms responsible for the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons are still elusive.
SUMMARY: Cumulative evidence implicates that abnormal processing of α-syn will be predicted to lead to pathological changes in PD. Key Messages: In this review, we summarize the structure and physiological function of α-syn, and further discuss the interplay of pathology, neuroinflammation, and environmental factors in PD. Additionally, we suggest future directions for understanding the toxicity of α-syn to neurons, which may ultimately encourage us to better design disease-modifying therapeutic strategies for PD.
PMID: 33465773 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Neuro-Degenerative Diseases - January 19, 2021 Category: Neurology Authors: He S, Zhong S, Liu G, Yang J Tags: Neurodegener Dis Source Type: research