Background
Alpha-synuclein is a member of the synuclein family, which also includes beta- and gamma-synuclein. Synucleins are abundantly expressed in the brain and alpha- and beta-synuclein inhibit phospholipase D2 selectively. Alpha-synuclein may serve to integrate presynaptic signaling and membrane trafficking. Defects in this protein have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease. Alpha-synuclein peptides are a major component of amyloid plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Cellular location
Cytoplasm, Membrane, Nucleus, Cell junction, Synapse, Secreted