Light shed on protein that kills brain cells

[Eldorado]

Researchers have published a study (“The docking of synaptic vesicles on the presynaptic membrane induced by α-synuclein is modulated by lipid composition”) in Nature Communications today that presents compelling new evidence about what a key protein called alpha-synuclein actually does in neurons in the brain.

“This study could unlock more information about this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that can leave people unable to walk and talk,” said Giuliana Fusco, research fellow at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge and lead author of the paper.

“If we want to cure Parkinson’s, first we need to understand the function of alpha-synuclein, a protein present in everyone’s brains. This research is a vital step towards that goal.”

Full report at GenEng News: Link