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Synuclein alpha
Sign in to saveAlpha-synuclein (aSyn) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SNCA gene. It is a neuronal protein involved in the regulation of synaptic vesicle trafficking and the release of neurotransmitters.
Article
14 sectionsContents
- Tissue expression
- In the enteric nervous system (ENS)
- Structure
- Interaction with lipid membranes
- Function
- Proneurogenic function of alpha-synuclein
- Sequence
- Autoproteolytic activity
- Clinical significance
- Protein-protein interactions
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SNCA gene. It is a neuronal protein involved in the regulation of synaptic vesicle trafficking and the release of neurotransmitters.
Alpha-synuclein is abundant in the brain, with smaller amounts present in the heart, muscles, and other tissues. Within the brain, it is primarily localized to the axon terminals of presynaptic neurons. There, it interacts with phospholipids and other proteins. Presynaptic terminals release neurotransmitters from specialized compartments called synaptic vesicles, a process essential for neuronal communication and normal brain function.