alpha-synuclein
Pronunciation: AL-fah sin-YOO-klee-in
A protein that forms pathological aggregates in Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies.
Full Definition
A presynaptic protein that, when misfolded and aggregated, forms the characteristic Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites seen in Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. Alpha-synuclein pathology is the hallmark of synucleinopathies, distinct from tau and amyloid pathologies. Immunohistochemical staining for alpha-synuclein is essential for diagnosing these conditions and can reveal pathology not visible on routine H&E staining. The protein's normal function involves synaptic vesicle regulation, but its aggregated form is neurotoxic.
Usage
Usage note: Can be written as α-synuclein with Greek letter; distinguish from other protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases.
In Context
- "Alpha-synuclein immunostaining revealed widespread Lewy body pathology." — neuropathology report
- "The substantia nigra showed severe neuronal loss with α-synuclein aggregates." — autopsy findings