The proSAAS Chaperone Provides Neuroprotection and Attenuates Transsynaptic α-Synuclein Spread in Rodent Models of Parkinson's Disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Parkinson's disease involves aberrant aggregation of the synaptic protein alpha-synuclein (aSyn) in the nigrostriatal tract. We have previously shown that proSAAS, a small neuronal chaperone, blocks aSyn-induced dopaminergic cytotoxicity in primary nigral cultures.

Objective

To determine if proSAAS overexpression is neuroprotective in animal models of Parkinson's disease.

Methods

proSAAS- or GFP-encoding lentivirus was injected together with human aSyn-expressing AAV unilaterally into the substantia nigra of rats and motor asymmetry assessed using a battery of motor performance tests. Dopamine neuron survival was assessed by nigral stereology and striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) densitometry. To examine transsynaptic spread of aSyn, aSyn AAV was injected

SUBMITTER: Lindberg I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9731515 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature