Alpha-synuclein and intracellular trafficking: impact on the spreading of Parkinson's disease pathology

J Mol Med (Berl). 2013 Jun;91(6):693-703. doi: 10.1007/s00109-013-1038-9. Epub 2013 Apr 25.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is characterized by intracellular proteinaceous depositions known as Lewy bodies. These largely consist of the protein α-synuclein, whose physiological function remains unclear, but mutations and overexpression of the protein have been shown to cause early onset cases of Parkinson's disease. Deregulation of α-synuclein biology causes neurodegeneration and impaired neuronal trafficking, hinting at a possible contribution to the pathological mechanism. Recent studies produced some evidence hinting at the involvement of several regulators of the transport machinery such as Rab GTPases and SNARE proteins, but also shown that α-synuclein can be propagated between cells. Here, we discuss the molecular interplay of α-synuclein with the intracellular transport machinery, its consequences, and the implications for disease mechanisms.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / metabolism
  • Biological Transport
  • Humans
  • Parkinson Disease / metabolism*
  • SNARE Proteins / metabolism
  • Synaptic Vesicles / metabolism
  • alpha-Synuclein / metabolism*
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • SNARE Proteins
  • alpha-Synuclein
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins