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alpha-synuclein

·October 7, 2013·3 min read

Study Identifies Possible Biomarker for Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers report of elevated alpha-synuclein levels detected on the skin of patients with Parkinson's disease. The findings could offer a new biomarker for the recognition of Parkinson's before the disease reaches advanced stage.

Three panels show tangles and Lewy bodies.

Featured Neurology

·July 3, 2013·4 min read

Shape-shifting Disease Proteins May Explain Variable Appearance of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Researchers discover alpha-synuclein proteins can morph into different strains. This can promote misfolding of other disease proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

The image shows the structure of the LRRK2 protein.

Featured Genetics

·March 5, 2013·3 min read

Improper Protein Degradation in Neurons Identified as a Cause of Familial Parkinson’s

Studying neurons derived from brain and skin cells of Parkinson's patients, researchers discover how the most common genetic mutations in familial Parkinson's disease damage brain cells.

The image shows an over-sized terminal forms a synapse with a dendritic spine. The caption best describes the image.

Featured Neurology

·February 7, 2013·3 min read

Excess Protein Linked to Development of Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers suggest the overexpression of a protein called alpha-synuclein appears to disrupt vital recycling processes in neurons. The study may have major implications for more fully understanding the causes and mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease.

Image shows brain slices with deposits of proteins associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Featured Neurology

·February 5, 2013·3 min read

Study Confirms No Transmission of Alzheimer’s Proteins Between Humans

While evidence suggests pathological proteins linked to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders are capable of spreading from cell-to-cell within the brains of affected individuals, new research shows no evidence to support concerns that these abnormal disease proteins are “infectious” or transmitted from animals to humans or from one person to another.

Electrophysiology Featured Genetics Neurology

·July 18, 2012·2 min read

Protein Build-Up Leads to Neurons Misfiring

Using a two-photon microscope capable of peering deep within living tissue, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have found new evidence that alpha-synuclein protein build-up inside neurons causes them to not only become leaky, but also to misfire due to calcium fluxes.