Synucleins are a family of three small (~14 kDa), soluble proteins. They have in common a conserved alpha helical lipid-binding motif and they are primarily expressed in neural tissue and certain tumors.

There are three known synuclein proteins:

• α – synuclein
• β – synuclein
• γ – synuclein

Alpha synuclein is expressed in the central nervous system and is mainly found in presynaptic nerve terminals. Mutations of the gene encoding alpha synuclein are associated with familial variants of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein into aggregates plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies. Due to its pathogenic role, α-synuclein is considered the major therapeutic target in PD and related neurodegenerative disorders.

Beta synuclein, homologous to α- synuclein, is also found in presynaptic nerve terminals but it has been shown to inhibit α- synuclein aggregation. It is not found in Lewy bodies but it is associated with hippocampal pathology in Parkinson’s disease. β- synuclein does not aggregate under physiological conditions as it lacks the NAC domain.

Gamma synuclein is found in the peripheral nervous system and retina and is associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have shown that γ- synuclein is also implicated in various types of cancer and it can be used as a cancer biomarker.

Synuclein research requires a great diversity of life science products. StressMarq is dedicated to developing cutting edge research products to aid in the study of synucleins in Parkinson’s disease, including fibrillar, oligomeric, and monomeric proteiun constructs, antibodies, and small molecule inhibitors.

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