Effects of α-Synuclein on Mitochondria and Pathogenesis of Parkinson Disease

Abstract

α-Synuclein is a small membrane bound protein that when overexpressed leads to fragmentation in mitochondria which leads to a decrease in cellular respiration, decrease in the size of neuronal vesicles and eventual cell death.  Ongoing research takes an in depth look at the mechanisms by which α-Synuclein acts on the mitochondria and vesicles and how these things play a role in the pathology of Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.