How is Alpha Synuclein Related to Neurodegenerative Diseases?
The misfolding and aggregation of alpha synuclein are hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases, collectively termed synucleinopathies. In Parkinson’s disease, alpha synuclein aggregates to form Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, which disrupt normal cellular function and lead to neuronal death. These aggregates are also found in other conditions, such as dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy.
