Role of post-translational modifications on the alpha-synuclein aggregation-related pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

BMB Rep. 2022 Jul;55(7):323-335. doi: 10.5483/BMBRep.2022.55.7.073.

Abstract

Together with neuronal loss, the existence of insoluble inclusions of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain is widely accepted as a hallmark of synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy body. Because the α-syn aggregates are deeply involved in the pathogenesis, there have been many attempts to demonstrate the mechanism of the aggregation and its potential causative factors including post-translational modifications (PTMs). Although no concrete conclusions have been made based on the previous study results, growing evidence suggests that modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination can alter α-syn characteristics to have certain effects on the aggregation process in PD; either facilitating or inhibiting fibrillization. In the present work, we reviewed studies showing the significant impacts of PTMs on α-syn aggregation. Furthermore, the PTMs modulating α-syn aggregation-induced cell death have been discussed. [BMB Reports 2022; 55(7): 323-335].

Publication types

  • News
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lewy Bodies / metabolism
  • Parkinson Disease* / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • alpha-Synuclein* / metabolism

Substances

  • alpha-Synuclein