Alpha-synuclein is an abundant presynaptic protein expressed predominantly in brain, concentrated in presynaptic nerve terminals. Alpha-synuclein is deposited as fibrillary aggregates in neurons or glial cells which is a hallmark lesion in a subset of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (all collectively referred to as synucleinopathies).
In the UK, 127,000 people are affected by the progressive neurodegenerative condition Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is extremely difficult to diagnose in its early stages. The current method of diagnosis includes examination for physical signs of Parkinson's along with a detailed history of symptoms. The defining neuropathological characteristics of Parkinson's disease is Lewy bodies.
