Alpha-Synuclein and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: The Emerging Role of VDAC

Alpha-Synuclein (alpha Syn) is a protein whose function is still debated, as well as its role in modulation of mitochondrial function in both physiological and pathological conditions. Mitochondrial porins or Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel (VDAC) proteins are the main gates for ADP/ATP and various substrates towards the organelle. Furthermore, they act as a mitochondrial hub for many cytosolic proteins, including alpha Syn. This review analyzes the main aspects of alpha Syn-mitochondria interaction, focusing on the role of VDAC and its emerging involvement in the pathological processes.

Automated summary

The function of alpha-Synuclein, its interaction with VDAC, and its involvement in pathological processes are the main focus of current research on mitochondrial function modulation.