α-Synuclein in the Synaptic Vesicle Liquid Phase: Active Player or Passive Bystander?
Lennart Brodin, Dragomir Milovanović, Silvio O. Rizzoli, Oleg Shupliakov
Abstract
The protein α-synuclein, which is well-known for its links to Parkinson's Disease, is associated with synaptic vesicles (SVs) in nerve terminals. Despite intensive studies, its precise physiological function remains elusive. Accumulating evidence indicates that liquid-liquid phase separation takes part in the assembly and/or maintenance of different synaptic compartments. The current review discusses recent data suggesting α-synuclein as a component of the SV liquid phase. We also consider possible implications of these data for disease.
Topics & Concepts
Bystander effectSynaptic vesicleVesicleNeuroscienceChemistryBiologyMembraneBiochemistryImmunologyNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchCellular transport and secretionLipid Membrane Structure and Behavior