Target Information

Alpha-synuclein is a member of the synuclein family, which also includes beta- and gamma-synuclein. These proteins are abundant in the brain and play a role in regulating synaptic transmission and membrane trafficking. Alpha- and beta-synuclein have been shown to selectively inhibit phospholipase D2, suggesting that they may also be involved in signaling pathways. Defects in the SNCA gene, which encodes alpha-synuclein, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, alpha-synuclein peptides are a major component of amyloid plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Multiple alternatively spliced transcripts encoding different isoforms have been identified for this gene. Diseases associated with SNCA include Parkinson Disease 1, Autosomal Dominant and Dementia, Lewy Body.