alpha-synuclein
Pronunciation: AL-fah sin-NEW-klee-in
A protein that forms pathological aggregates in Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and related synucleinopathies.
Full Definition
Alpha-synuclein is a neuronal protein that misfolds and aggregates to form Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, which are the pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. These conditions are collectively known as synucleinopathies or alpha-synucleinopathies. In healthy neurons, alpha-synuclein is involved in synaptic vesicle trafficking, but when it aggregates, it becomes toxic and disrupts normal cellular function. Immunohistochemical staining for alpha-synuclein is essential for diagnosing these disorders and distinguishing them from other neurodegenerative diseases with different protein aggregates.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from other neurodegenerative proteins; specify inclusion type (Lewy body vs neurite).
In Context
- "Alpha-synuclein immunostaining revealed numerous Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra." — Parkinson's disease autopsy report
- "The diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies was confirmed by alpha-synuclein pathology." — Synucleinopathy diagnostic report