The Effect of Aggregated Alpha Synuclein on Synaptic and Axonal Proteins in Parkinson's Disease-A Systematic Review

alpha-synuclein is a core component of Lewy bodies, one of the pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease. Aggregated alpha-synuclein can impair both synaptic functioning and axonal transport. However, understanding the pathological role that alpha-synuclein plays at a cellular level is complicated as existing findings are multifaceted and dependent on the mutation, the species, and the quantity of the protein that is involved. This systematic review aims to stratify the research findings to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the role of aggregated alpha-synuclein on synaptic and axonal proteins in Parkinson's disease models. A literature search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted and a total of 39 studies were included for analysis. The review provides evidence for the dysregulation or redistribution of synaptic and axonal proteins due to alpha-synuclein toxicity. However, due to the high quantity of variables that were used in the research investigations, it was challenging to ascertain exactly what effect alpha-synuclein has on the expression of the proteins. A more standardized experimental approach regarding the variables that are employed in future studies is crucial so that existing literature can be consolidated. New research involving aggregated alpha-synuclein at the synapse and regarding axonal transport could be advantageous in guiding new treatment solutions.

Automated summary

This systematic review investigates the role of aggregated alpha-synuclein on synaptic and axonal proteins in Parkinson's disease models. The review provides evidence that aggregated alpha-synuclein can lead to dysregulation or redistribution of synaptic and axonal proteins. However, due to the high quantity of variables used in the research investigations, it is challenging to determine the exact effect of alpha-synuclein on protein expression. Thus, a more standardized experimental approach is crucial for future studies.