Alpha-synuclein and the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

Protein Pept Lett. 2004 Jun;11(3):229-37. doi: 10.2174/0929866043407138.

Abstract

Lesions known as Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites (LNs) characterise brains of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Intracellular aggregation of alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) appears to play a key role in the generation of LBs and LNs. Such aggregation in the presence of redox metals may initiate Fenton reaction-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS thus generated may result in cytotoxic mechanisms such as the induction of DNA single-strand breaks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Damage
  • Humans
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism*
  • Parkinson Disease / pathology*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Synucleins
  • alpha-Synuclein

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • SNCA protein, human
  • Synucleins
  • alpha-Synuclein