Journal of Movement Disorders  2017;10(2):69-79

doi:10.14802/jmd.16061

Structure, Distribution, and Genetic Profile of α-Synuclein and Their Potential Clinical Application in Parkinson's Disease.

Xiaoli SI 1 ; Jiali PU ; Baorong ZHANG

Affiliations

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Keywords

Parkinson's disease; alpha-synuclein; pathogenic mechanism; biomarker; therapeutic strategy

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease, is characterized by the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons. PD leads to a series of clinical symptoms, including motor and non-motor disturbances. α-synuclein, the major component of Lewy bodies, is a hallmark lesion in PD. In this review, we concentrate on presenting the latest research on the structure, distribution, and function of α-synuclein, and its interactions with PD. We also summarize the clinic applications of α-synuclein, which suggest its use as a biomarker, and the latest progress in α-synuclein therapy.