Skip to main content

What are Synuclein alpha (SNCA) proteins?



Many Parkinson’s disease researchers are focused on reducing the prevalence of Synuclein alpha (SNCA) proteins in neurons as a therapeutic measure. 

About Synuclein alpha (SNCA) proteins:

It is a mysterious protein which is present in healthy cells.
It is notorious for its involvement in age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Features of SNCA: 
It is abundant in neurons, especially in dopaminergic neurons. It is found near the nuclei of these cells and at the junctions between two neurons.
It’s capable of misfolding as well as forming filamentous structures.
So unlike most other proteins, which take up predictable three-dimensional structures, SNCA can fold in multiple ways. Misfolded proteins don’t function correctly.
SNCA is present in 2 ways as aggregates in cells: one that interferes with the structural integrity of cells’ nuclei and another that allows the cell to degrade misfolded proteins.
In these two the former are related to diseased states while the latter is important for healthy cells.
Over time, these two SNCA populations in the cells:one was around the nuclei, shapes like filaments tens of micrometres long, much like Lewy bodies.
The other population was also around the nuclei but as much smaller clumps called aggresomes. Such aggresomes are formed when cells localise misfolded proteins into a small bunch (like collecting the trash in a corner) for further processing.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Directive Principles of State Policy Constitution of India

The Constitution of India includes Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in Part IV (Articles 36-51). Unlike Fundamental Rights, which are justiciable and enforceable in courts, DPSPs are non-justiciable principles and guidelines for the government to formulate policies and make laws. They aim to establish social, economic, and political justice in the country and promote the welfare of the people. Although not enforceable by courts, they serve as a moral and political compass for the government. Here are some key provisions of the DPSP in the Constitution of India: 1. Promotion of Welfare: The state shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting, as effectively as it may, a social order in which justice, social, economic, and political, shall inform all institutions of national life (Article 38). 2. Social Justice: The state shall endeavor to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting a social order in which social, economic, and p...
Post a Comment
Read more

World Happiness Report

The Happiness Index, also known as the World Happiness Report, measures subjective well-being and happiness levels in countries around the world. It is an annual report published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) in collaboration with other organizations, including the Gallup World Poll. The Happiness Index uses various factors to assess happiness levels, including economic indicators, social support networks, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. The data is gathered through surveys conducted in different countries, where individuals self-report their level of happiness and satisfaction with life. The index ranks countries based on their happiness scores, with higher scores indicating greater levels of happiness and well-being. The report provides insights into the factors that contribute to happiness and offers policy recommendations for governments and policymakers to promote happiness and well-...
Post a Comment
Read more

Measuring Economic Development

There are several commonly used measures of economic development that provide insights into the overall progress and well-being of a country or region. Here are some key indicators often used to gauge economic development: 1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): GDP is the total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders over a specific period. It is a widely used measure of economic output and can provide an indication of the overall size and growth of an economy. 2. Gross National Income (GNI): GNI represents the total income generated by residents of a country, including both domestic and international sources. It takes into account factors like remittances, foreign investments, and income earned from abroad. GNI per capita is often used as an indicator of the average income and standard of living in a country. 3. Human Development Index (HDI): The HDI is a composite index that measures the overall well-being and development of a country. It considers factors such ...
Post a Comment
Read more