Dynamic transport and localization of alpha-synuclein in primary hippocampal neurons.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alpha-synuclein is a presynaptic protein with a proposed role in neurotransmission and dopamine homeostasis. Abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein aggregates in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra is diagnostic of sporadic Parkinson's disease, and mutations in the protein are linked to early onset forms of the disease. The folded conformation of the protein varies depending upon its environment and other factors that are poorly understood. When bound to phospholipid membranes, alpha-synuclein adopts a helical conformation that mediates specific interactions with other proteins.

Results

To investigate the role of the helical domain in transport and localization of alpha-synuclein, eGFP-tagged constructs were transfected into rat primary hippocampal neur

SUBMITTER: Yang ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2830200 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature