Snaring the function of alpha-synuclein

Abstract

It is well established that the abundant neuronal protein alpha-synuclein has a causal role in Parkinson's disease, yet the normal functions of this protein remain unclear. In this issue of Cell, Chandra et al. (2005) reveal that alpha-synuclein acts as a molecular chaperone, assisting in the folding and refolding of synaptic proteins called SNAREs. These proteins are crucial for release of neurotransmitters at the neuronal synapse, vesicle recycling, and synaptic integrity.