Research Areas: Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's Disease, Tangles & Tau, Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Parkinson's Disease, Synuclein, Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Multiple System Atrophy
Scientific Background:Alpha-synuclein (SNCA) is a neuronal protein predominantly expressed in the brain, where it is highly concentrated at presynaptic nerve terminals, suggesting a key role in synaptic transmission and plasticity (1). In addition to its synaptic localization, alpha-synuclein is abundantly expressed in mitochondria-rich brain regions, including the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, striatum, and thalamus, implicating it in mitochondrial function and energy metabolism (2). Functionally, alpha-synuclein has been shown to interact significantly with tubulin (3), indicating a potential role as a microtubule-associated protein involved in cytoskeletal organization and intracellular transport. This interaction may be critical for maintaining neuronal structure and function, particularly in long-range axonal projections. Importantly, alpha-synuclein is essential for normal cognitive development. Genetic or functional inactivation of SNCA has been associated with impairments in spatial learning and worki