alpha-synuclein

noun

al·​pha-sy·​nu·​clein
variants or α-synuclein
: a protein that is found primarily in neurons and accumulates to form Lewy bodies in people affected with Parkinson's disease and some forms of dementia
… the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease involves the abnormal folding, aggregation, and deposition of α-synuclein as key steps in mediating neuronal dysfunction and degeneration.Mel B. Feany, The New England Journal of Medicine

Note: Mutations in the gene encoding alpha-synuclein have been linked to a rare, inherited form of Parkinson's disease.

Dictionary Entries Near alpha-synuclein

Cite this Entry

“Alpha-synuclein.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/alpha-synuclein. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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