Archive 1995–2023
α-synuclein – a new approach to well-known protein and its possible use in the diagnostics and therapy of Parkinson’s disease
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.