Alpha-synuclein

spinqualitylabelsall models Human alpha-synuclein (PDB 6h6b) Show:Asymmetric Unit Biological Assembly Drag the structure with the mouse to rotate   Export Animated Image   Print3D Function Alpha-Synuclein (Syn) is a human neuronal protein which has several roles in synaptic activity. Syn enhances vesicle priming, fusion and dilation of exocytotic pores. Syn acts as a molecular chaperone in assisting the folding of SNAREs - the synaptic fusion components. Syn associates with the dopamine transporter and modulates its activity. Disease Syn is a central component in the pathogenicity of Parkinson Disease (PD). PD is associated with deposition of Syn in the form of Lewy bodies throughout the brain and loss of dopaminergic neuronal cells. Relevance Various therapeutic approaches are investigated such as blocking of Syn receptors and searching for small molecules to target Syn aggregation and increase its degradation by increasing . Structural highlights The Syn structure shows 8 β-sheet forming segments interrupted by Gly residues. Seven PD-associated familial mutations are known. The 3D structure shows a hydrophobic cleft which can provide an entry point for an incoming Syn molecule elongating the fibril. 3D Structures of alpha-synuclein Alpha-synuclein 3D structures

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Michal Harel, Alexander Berchansky, Joel L. Sussman