Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) was identified as the main component of inclusions that define synucleinopathies more than 20 years ago. Since then, aSyn has been extensively studied in an attempt to unravel ...its roles in both physiology and pathology. Today, studying the mechanisms of aSyn toxicity remains in the limelight, leading to the identification of novel pathways involved in pathogenesis. In this chapter, we address the molecular mechanisms involved in synucleinopathies, from aSyn misfolding and aggregation to the various cellular effects and pathologies associated. In particular, we review our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the spreading of aSyn between different cells, from the periphery to the brain, and back. Finally, we also review recent studies on the contribution of inflammation and the gut microbiota to pathology in synucleinopathies. Despite significant advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved, we still lack an integrated understanding of the pathways leading to neurodegeneration in PD and other synucleinopathies, compromising our ability to develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Synucleinopathies are a group of disorders characterized by the accumulation of inclusions rich in the a‐synuclein (aSyn) protein. This group of disorders includes Parkinson's disease, dementia with ...Lewy bodies (DLB), multiple systems atrophy, and pure autonomic failure (PAF). In addition, genetic alterations (point mutations and multiplications) in the gene encoding for aSyn (SNCA) are associated with familial forms of Parkinson's disease, the most common synucleinopathy. The Synuclein Meetings are a series that has been taking place every 2 years for about 12 years. The Synuclein Meetings bring together leading experts in the field of Synuclein and related human conditions with the goal of discussing and advancing the research. In 2019, the Synuclein meeting took place in Ofir, a city in the outskirts of Porto, Portugal. The meeting, entitled "Synuclein Meeting 2019: Where we are and where we need to go", brought together >300 scientists studying both clinical and molecular aspects of synucleinopathies. The meeting covered a many of the open questions in the field, in a format that prompted open discussions between the participants, and underscored the need for additional research that, hopefully, will lead to future therapies for a group of as of yet incurable disorders. Here, we provide a summary of the topics discussed in each session and highlight what we know, what we do not know, and what progress needs to be made in order to enable the field to continue to advance. We are confident this systematic assessment of where we stand will be useful to steer the field and contribute to filling knowledge gaps that may form the foundations for future therapeutic strategies, which is where we need to go.
This article is related to the Special Issue Synuclein which was solicited from the Synuclein Meeting 2019. Every 2 years for about 12 years, the Synuclein Meetings bring together leading experts in the field of Synuclein and related human conditions with the goal of discussing and advancing the research. Here, we provide a summary of the topics discussed in each session and highlight what we know, what we do not know, and what progress needs to be made in order to enable the field to continue to advance. Alpha‐synuclein (aSyn) is implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders of the brain and in this review we cover various aspects of aSyn biology and pathobiology, as depicted in the various circles.
This article is related to the Special Issue "Synuclein"
Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) is a key player in a group of neurodegenerative diseases commonly known as synucleinopathies. Recent findings indicate phosphorylation in several aSyn residues can modulate its ...aggregation and subcellular localization, thereby affecting pathological processes. However, the precise molecular mechanisms governing aSyn phosphorylation are still unclear. Recent studies investigated the role of various families of protein kinases, such as the polo-like kinases, G protein-coupled receptor kinases or casein kinases. In contrast, our understanding of the phosphatases involved in the dephosphorylation of aSyn is rather limited. Here, we exploited the unique toolbox of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in order to identify novel phosphatases capable of modulating aSyn phosphorylation, inclusion formation and toxicity of human aSyn. In summary, given the association between aSyn phosphorylation and pathology in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies, modulation of this post-translational modification may constitute an attractive target for therapeutic intervention.
•Phycocyanin protects against aSyn toxicity and aggregation in yeast.•Protection involves the modulation of oxidative stress response and glutathione metabolism.•Protein quality-control systems are ...also affected by phycocyanin.•Phycocyanin holds potential as a nutraceutical in synucleinopathies.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder associated with the misfolding and aggregation of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) in proteinaceous inclusions. These inclusions are common to a wider spectrum of disorders known as synucleinopathies. While the molecular bases of PD are still unclear, oxidative stress and impairment of protein quality-control systems play an important role, and are regarded as valuable targets for therapeutic interventions. We employed a yeast model of synucleinopathies to test the cytoprotective potential of phycocyanin, a biliprotein used as a nutritional supplement. We found that phycocyanin effectively protected against aSyn toxicity in yeast and, importantly, the mechanism of action involves the reduction of aSyn inclusions and superoxide levels, through the regulation of genes and enzymes involved in oxidative stress response, glutathione metabolism, and cellular protein quality-control systems. Overall, this study highlights the potential of phycocyanin as a nutraceutical in neurodegenerative diseases associated with proteotoxicity, such as synucleinopathies.
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