The Structure-Related Function of Alpha-Synuclein Protein in Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Synucleinopathies are a group of neurological disorders characterized by the abnormal aggregation of the alpha-synuclein protein in neurons or glial cells. Diseases include Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). PD is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Progressive accumulation of protein alpha-synuclein occurs within inclusions/structures known as Lewy bodies, which are the pathologic hallmarks of PD. Similarly, DLB results in neuronal loss, which leads to profound dopamine dysfunction and marked cholinergic pathology. MSA can exhibit glial as well as some neuronal protein aggregation, which ultimately leads to neurodegeneration and disease progression.  We are very excited to be involved in this alpha-synuclein Issue of Biology. This volume focuses on the molecular mechanisms of protein misfolding related to synucleinopathies, functional domains of alpha-synuclein, cellular and animal models of disease progression, and therapeutic approaches targeting alpha-synuclein aggregation and other pathways. This Special Issue invites original research papers and reviews that cover the topics regarding alpha-synuclein and synucleinopathies.

Prof. Dr. Chuanhai Cao
Dr. Kevin Nash
Dr. Haifan Wu
Guest Editors

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