Abstract
The research into possible causes of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease is still far from being conclusive. However, it has already been confi rmed that α-synuclein protein (ASN), together with other proteins, is the principal component of the Lewy pathology. The latest α-synuclein research has revealed a new role of this protein in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), related to the new physiological form of α-synuclein. The phosphorylated ASN can be detected in the blood plasma as it shows more promise for a future diagnostic marker for PD. Moreover, it has been signaled that ASN may be a prion-like protein. Finally, a new vaccine against the α- and β-synuclein is considered. All these discoveries open new, revolutionary prospects for PD diagnostics and therapy.