Molecular Classification
Protein aggregate
Other Names
Lewy bodies, Lewy neurites, Alpha-synuclein fibrils, Aggregated alpha-synuclein, SNCA aggregates
Disease Roles
Parkinson's DiseaseDementia with Lewy BodiesMultiple System Atrophy

Alpha-synuclein aggregate Overview

Alpha-synuclein aggregates are abnormal accumulations of the alpha-synuclein protein, primarily found in presynaptic terminals. These aggregates are central to the pathology of several neurodegenerative diseases, most notably Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies. In its aggregated form, alpha-synuclein misfolds into β-sheet-rich fibrils that accumulate as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites within neurons. These aggregates are considered a therapeutic target for disease modification.

Mechanism of Action

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Biological Functions

Neurotoxicity
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Oxidative stress
Apoptosis
Synaptic dysfunction

Disease Associations

Parkinson's Disease
Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Multiple System Atrophy
Synucleinopathies
Neurodegenerative disease

Safety Considerations

  • Off-target effects
  • Immune response
  • Blood-brain barrier penetration
  • Non-selective aggregate targeting
  • Unintended consequences of disrupting protein homeostasis

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
Alpha-synuclein levels in cerebrospinal fluid
Alpha-synuclein levels in blood
Imaging of alpha-synuclein aggregates