Roles for α-Synuclein in Gene Expression

Genes

Eugene V. Mosharov¹  Mahalakshmi Somayaji¹  Se Joon Choi¹  Zina Lanseur¹  David Sulzer¹ 

[1] Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;

关键词: Parkinson’s disease;    α-Synuclein;    gene expression;    signal transduction;    epigenetics;    silencing therapeutics;   

DOI  :  10.3390/genes12081166

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a small cytosolic protein associated with a range of cellular compartments, including synaptic vesicles, the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. In addition to its physiological role in regulating presynaptic function, the protein plays a central role in both sporadic and familial Parkinson’s disease (PD) via a gain-of-function mechanism. Because of this, several recent strategies propose to decrease α-Syn levels in PD patients. While these therapies may offer breakthroughs in PD management, the normal functions of α-Syn and potential side effects of its depletion require careful evaluation. Here, we review recent evidence on physiological and pathological roles of α-Syn in regulating activity-dependent signal transduction and gene expression pathways that play fundamental role in synaptic plasticity.

【 授权许可】

Unknown