The Close Encounter Between Alpha-Synucle... - Cure Parkinson's

Cure Parkinson's

25,516 members26,826 posts

The Close Encounter Between Alpha-Synuclein and Mitochondria.

aspergerian profile image
4 Replies

"The presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is unequivocally linked to the development of Parkinson's disease(PD). Not only it is the major component of amyloid fibrils found in Lewy bodies but mutations and duplication/triplication in its gene are responsible for the onset of familial autosomal dominant forms of PD. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms leading to neuronal degeneration are not fully understood. Several lines of evidence suggest that impaired autophagy clearance and mitochondrial dysfunctions such as bioenergetics and calcium handling defects and alteration in mitochondrial morphology might play a pivotal role in the etiology and progression of PD, and indicate the intriguing possibility that α-syn could be involved in the control of mitochondrial function both in physiological and pathological conditions. In favor of this, it has been shown that a fraction of cellular α-syn can selectively localize to mitochondrial sub-compartments upon specific stimuli, highlighting possible novel routes for α-syn action. A plethora of mitochondrial processes, including cytochrome c release, calcium homeostasis, control of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production, is directly influenced by α-syn. Eventually, α-syn localization within mitochondria may also account for its aggregation state, making the α-syn/mitochondria intimate relationship a potential key for the understanding of PD pathogenesis. Here, we will deeply survey the recent literature in the field by focusing our attention on the processes directly controlled by α-syn within mitochondrial sub-compartments and its potential partners providing possible hints for future therapeutic targets."

The Close Encounter Between Alpha-Synuclein and Mitochondria.

Vicario M, Cieri D, Brini M, Calì T.

Front Neurosci. 2018 Jun 7;12:388.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/299...

Written by
aspergerian profile image
aspergerian
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
4 Replies
WinnieThePoo profile image
WinnieThePoo

Another good one that is hardly light reading. Clinging on just, by my finger nails

ddmagee1 profile image
ddmagee1

Thanks for sharing! Makes me wonder if my taking Calcium Channel Blockers, for years, prescribed by the Doctor, would have affected my getting or having PD. Perhaps not, but, an idea, that researchers could explore.

aspergerian13 profile image
aspergerian13 in reply to ddmagee1

L-Type Calcium Channel blockers and Parkinson’s Disease in Denmark.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

ddmagee1 profile image
ddmagee1 in reply to aspergerian13

Thanks for sharing this illuminating article, aspergerian13! I appreciate your effort! This answers some questions that concerned me.

You may also like...

Do animal proteins cause an increase in alpha synuclein?

that animal proteins are one of the causes of alpha-synuclein, which is thought to be the primary...

🧠 Methylation Regulates Alpha-Synuclein Expression and Is Decreased in Parkinson's Disease Patients' Brains

Markers of neurodegeneration (APP, alpha-synuclein) are related to markers of methylation (SAM, SAH)

Effect of Dietary Ketosis On Alpha-Synuclein Accumulation

the ketogenic diet significantly reduced alpha-synuclein clumps -- the pathological hallmark of PD...

Is a cure for Parkinson’s disease hiding inside us?

α-Synuclein (a-syn) oligomers and fibrils are behind neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD),...

Urolithin-A - has anyone looked into this to trigger mitophagy (and thereby generate new mitochondria)?

been looking into Urolithin A, which is very (possibly very very) interesting due to its ability to...