Alpha-synuclein modulates dopamine neurotransmission

Abstract

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.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the wild-type full-length alpha-synuclein protein structure. N-terminal missense point mutations are found in the amphipathic and lipid-binding portion of the protein along with 7, 11mer repeats found throughout the N-terminus and Non-Amyloid Component (NAC) domain. The NAC region promotes aggregation while the acidic C-terminus inhibits aggregation of alpha-synuclein.