alpha synuclein

protein

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July 20, 2026

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Alpha-synuclein is a protein found in the brain. In healthy individuals, it plays a role in neuronal function. However, abnormal deposits of alpha-synuclein can form clumps known as Lewy bodies. These Lewy bodies are associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The accumulation of alpha-synuclein is linked to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, which can lead to motor and cognitive impairments. In Alzheimer's disease, a related protein, amyloid beta, also forms abnormal clumps called plaques.123

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dementia with Lewy bodies
…of a protein known as alpha-synuclein—in the brain. Lewy bodies are named for German physician Friedrich Heinrich Lewy, who first described them (1912), in the context of Parkinson disease.
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…of a protein known as alpha-synuclein—in the brain. Lewy bodies are named for German physician Friedrich Heinrich Lewy, who first described them (1912), in the context of Parkinson disease.
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Parkinson disease
Neuropathology
A protein known as alpha synuclein appears to be involved in neuronal degeneration. Alpha synuclein is produced by dopaminergic neurons and is broken down by other proteins, such as parkin and neurosin. Defects in any of the proteins that break down alpha synuclein may lead to its accumulation, resulting…
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A protein known as alpha synuclein appears to be involved in neuronal degeneration. Alpha synuclein is produced by dopaminergic neurons and is broken down by other proteins, such as parkin and neurosin. Defects in any of the proteins that break down alpha synuclein may lead to its accumulation, resulting…
Read More