What are Synuclein alpha (SNCA) proteins?

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About Synuclein alpha (SNCA) proteins:

It is a mysterious protein which is present in healthy cells.
It is notorious for its involvement in age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Features of SNCA
- It is abundant in neurons, especially in dopaminergic neurons. It is found near the nuclei of these cells and at the junctions between two neurons.
- It’s capable of misfolding as well as forming filamentous structures.
- So unlike most other proteins, which take up predictable three-dimensional structures, SNCA can fold in multiple ways. Misfolded proteins don’t function correctly.
- SNCA is present in 2 ways as aggregates in cells: one that interferes with the structural integrity of cells’ nuclei and another that allows the cell to degrade misfolded proteins.
- In these two the former are related to diseased states while the latter is important for healthy cells.
- Over time, these two SNCA populations in the cells: one was around the nuclei, shapes like filaments tens of micrometres long, much like Lewy bodies.
- The other population was also around the nuclei but as much smaller clumps called aggresomes. Such aggresomes are formed when cells localise misfolded proteins into a small bunch (like collecting the trash in a corner) for further processing.

Q1: What is Parkinson?

Parkinson is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. It is a condition in which a patient holds limited or no control over his movements and body balance.

Source: Balancing two forms of SNCA protein could help manage Parkinson’s, study finds