Direct observation of the interconversion of normal and toxic forms of α-synuclein.

ABSTRACT: Here, we use single-molecule techniques to study the aggregation of α-synuclein, the protein whose misfolding and deposition is associated with Parkinson's disease. We identify a conformational change from the initially formed oligomers to stable, more compact proteinase-K-resistant oligomers as the key step that leads ultimately to fibril formation. The oligomers formed as a result of the structural conversion generate much higher levels of oxidative stress in rat primary neurons than do the oligomers formed initially, showing that they are more damaging to cells. The structural conversion is remarkably slow, indicating a high kinetic barrier for the conversion and suggesting that there is a significant period of time for the cellular protective machinery to operate and potentially for th

SUBMITTER: Cremades N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3383996 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature