Author ORCID Identifier
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-18-2019
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative condition and intracellular deposition of Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra (SN), which can cause dopaminergic neuronal death, is the hallmark of this syndrome. α-synuclein (syn) is a small protein expressed mainly in neurons but can also be found in a number of tissues. It can be present as a soluble monomer under normal physiological conditions, but can be toxic in its oligomeric or fibrillary forms. Most of the available literature has focused on the effects of α-syn pathology in the mechanisms leading to PD. However, the normal functions of α-syn still remain to be fully elucidated. Notably, α-syn in the hematopoietic system seems to mediate important functions as indicated by anemia and incomplete cell maturation when this protein is absent. This review will summarize basic genetic and structural findings, and critical information that suggests an essential role of α-syn in the development and activation of the hematopoietic system and immunity.
Keywords
erythrocytes, hematopoiesis, immunity, leukocytes, lymphocytes, neuroscience, platelets, α-synuclein
Publication Title
Heliyon
Volume
5
Issue
10
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Pei Y and Maitta RW (2019). Alpha Synuclein in Hematopoiesis and Immunity. Heliyon. 5:10. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02590