α-Synuclein and Mechanisms of Epigenetic Regulation

Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases with common pathological lesions associated with the excessive accumulation and abnormal intracellular deposition of toxic species of alpha-synuclein. The shared clinical features are chronic progressive decline of motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. These disorders include Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy body, and multiple system atrophy. Vigorous research in the mechanisms of pathology of these illnesses is currently under way to find disease-modifying treatment and molecular markers for early diagnosis. alpha-Synuclein is a prone-to-aggregate, small amyloidogenic protein with multiple roles in synaptic vesicle trafficking, neurotransmitter release, and intracellular signaling events. Its expression is controlled by several mechanisms, one of which is epigenetic regulation. When transmitted to the nucleus, alpha-synuclein binds to DNA and histones and participates in epigenetic regulatory functions controlling specific gene transcription. Here, we discuss the various aspects of alpha-synuclein involvement in epigenetic regulation in health and diseases.

Automated summary

Synucleinopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by excessive accumulation and abnormal deposition of alpha-synuclein, leading to motor, cognitive, and behavioral decline. Research is ongoing to find disease-modifying treatments and early diagnostic markers. Alpha-synuclein is involved in epigenetic regulation through binding to DNA and histones, controlling gene transcription. This article discusses the role of alpha-synuclein in epigenetic regulation in health and disease.