synuclein alpha
Last updated 17 Jul 2023
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The SNCA gene provides instructions for making a small protein called alpha-synuclein. Alpha-synuclein is abundant in the brain, and smaller amounts are found in the heart, muscles, and other tissues. In the brain, alpha-synuclein is found mainly at the tips of nerve cells (neurons) in specialized structures called presynaptic terminals. Presynaptic terminals release chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, from compartments known as synaptic vesicles. The release of neurotransmitters relays signals between neurons and is critical for normal brain function.
Normal function
The SNCA gene provides instructions for making a small protein called alpha-synuclein. Alpha-synuclein is abundant in the brain, and smaller amounts are found in the heart, muscles, and other tissues. In the brain, alpha-synuclein is found mainly at the tips of nerve cells (neurons) in specialized structures called presynaptic terminals. Presynaptic terminals release chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, from compartments known as synaptic vesicles. The release of neurotransmitters relays signals between neurons and is critical for normal brain function.
Although the function of alpha-synuclein is not well understood, studies suggest that it plays an important role in maintaining an adequate supply of synaptic vesicles in presynaptic terminals. It may also help regulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is critical for controlling the start and stop of voluntary and involuntary movements. Alpha-synuclein may also play a role in the movement of structures called microtubules that help cells maintain their shape.
Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome
Other names
alpha-synuclein
NACP
nonA-beta component of AD amyloid
PARK1
PARK4
PD1
synuclein, alpha (non A4 component of amyloid precursor)
SYUA_HUMAN
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Further reading and references
- synuclein alpha; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Bonini NM, Giasson BI. Snaring the function of alpha-synuclein. Cell. 2005 Nov 4;123(3):359-61. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2005.10.017.
- Federoff M, Schottlaender LV, Houlden H, Singleton A. Multiple system atrophy: the application of genetics in understanding etiology. Clin Auton Res. 2015 Feb;25(1):19-36. doi: 10.1007/s10286-014-0267-5. Epub 2015 Feb 17.
- Norris EH, Giasson BI, Lee VM. Alpha-synuclein: normal function and role in neurodegenerative diseases. Curr Top Dev Biol. 2004;60:17-54. doi: 10.1016/S0070-2153(04)60002-0.
- Nuytemans K, Theuns J, Cruts M, Van Broeckhoven C. Genetic etiology of Parkinson disease associated with mutations in the SNCA, PARK2, PINK1, PARK7, and LRRK2 genes: a mutation update. Hum Mutat. 2010 Jul;31(7):763-80. doi: 10.1002/humu.21277.
- Puschmann A, Bhidayasiri R, Weiner WJ. Synucleinopathies from bench to bedside. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2012 Jan;18 Suppl 1:S24-7. doi: 10.1016/S1353-8020(11)70010-4.
- Rosborough K, Patel N, Kalia LV. alpha-Synuclein and Parkinsonism: Updates and Future Perspectives. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2017 Apr;17(4):31. doi: 10.1007/s11910-017-0737-y.
- Scholz SW, Houlden H, Schulte C, Sharma M, Li A, Berg D, Melchers A, Paudel R, Gibbs JR, Simon-Sanchez J, Paisan-Ruiz C, Bras J, Ding J, Chen H, Traynor BJ, Arepalli S, Zonozi RR, Revesz T, Holton J, Wood N, Lees A, Oertel W, Wullner U, Goldwurm S, Pellecchia MT, Illig T, Riess O, Fernandez HH, Rodriguez RL, Okun MS, Poewe W, Wenning GK, Hardy JA, Singleton AB, Del Sorbo F, Schneider S, Bhatia KP, Gasser T. SNCA variants are associated with increased risk for multiple system atrophy. Ann Neurol. 2009 May;65(5):610-4. doi: 10.1002/ana.21685.
- Sidhu A, Wersinger C, Vernier P. alpha-Synuclein regulation of the dopaminergic transporter: a possible role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. FEBS Lett. 2004 May 7;565(1-3):1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.03.063.
- Vekrellis K, Xilouri M, Emmanouilidou E, Rideout HJ, Stefanis L. Pathological roles of alpha-synuclein in neurological disorders. Lancet Neurol. 2011 Nov;10(11):1015-25. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(11)70213-7.
- Yun JY, Lee WW, Lee JY, Kim HJ, Park SS, Jeon BS. SNCA variants and multiple system atrophy. Ann Neurol. 2010 Apr;67(4):554-5. doi: 10.1002/ana.21889. No abstract available.
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