Alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn)

Category: biomarker

A presynaptic protein that misfolds and forms Lewy body aggregates in Parkinson's disease. A central biomarker and therapeutic target.

Mechanism Detail

α-Synuclein normally regulates synaptic vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release. In Parkinson's, it misfolds into β-sheet-rich oligomers and fibrils that propagate cell-to-cell in a prion-like manner. Aggregates impair mitochondrial function, lysosomal degradation, and proteasomal clearance. SNCA gene duplication/triplication and point mutations (A53T, A30P) cause familial PD.

Clinical Status

Anti-α-synuclein antibodies (prasinezumab) in Phase II trials showed mixed results. α-Synuclein seed amplification assay (SAA) is emerging as a diagnostic biomarker. ASO approaches targeting SNCA mRNA are in development.

Relevant Diseases

Relevant Therapies

Related Terms