Title:Synaptic Dysfunction in Synucleinopathies
Volume: 12
Issue: 8
Author(s): Oleg Anichtchik, Laura Calo and Maria Grazia Spillantini
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Synaptic dysfunction, synucleinopathies, neurodegenerative disorders, animal models, Alzheimer’s disease, central
nervous system, dementia, Lewy body.
Abstract: Pathological aggregation of alpha-synuclein as Lewy-bodies and neurites is a hallmark of a group of
neurodegenerative disorders named alpha-synucleinopathies. It is becoming apparent that alpha-synuclein facilitates
presynaptic neuronal function in the brain, and events leading to its aggregation produce marked disruption of
neurotransmitter release mechanism. We discuss here the literature related to the function of alpha-synuclein at the
neuronal synapse in synucleinopathies brains and corresponding animal models.