Alpha-synuclein(α-Syn) is an intracellular protein which is constantly synthesized and degraded under
physiological conditions. Abnormal aggregation of this protein within neuron is associated with several
neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Although the exact mechanism of initiation of
aggregation and misfolding pathway of a-Syn is yet to be discovered; it’s mechanism of spreading through
interconnected neuronal networks has taken acompelling step. Growing number of studies have investigated
step by step mechanisms of a-Syn release from the diseased cell and uptake by normal adjacent cells in
molecular basis. Also, some studies have hypothesized probable involvement of gut in this pathogenesis. We
will briefly review this prion-like contagion pathway and try to elucidate any connection and relevance to gut
to brain theory. CLICK TO REVIEW
Keywords: alpha-synuclein; α-Syn; Parkinson’s disease; PD; vesicle trafficking; protein quality control system;
gut-brain axis; microbiome.