Background |
Alpha-Synuclein: Alpha-synuclein (SNCA gene) is a 140 amino acid protein expressed in brain that is associated with fibrillar structures in Lewy Bodies. Although primary located in the cytosol, alpha-synuclein binds to phospholipid and may assemble into pore-like structures in cellular membranes. Generation of aggregates in Lewy Bodies and/or association of mutant or wild-type alpha-synuclein with membraneous structures have been attributed to the etiology of both early-onset congenital and age-related Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson's disease is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by bradykinesia, resting tremor, muscular rigidity and postural instability. Additional features of the disease include the characteristic postural abnormalities, dysautonomia, dystonic cramps, and dementia. The pathology of Parkinson disease involves the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies in brain and spinal cord. |
References |
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