Synapsins regulate α-synuclein functions.

Atias, Merav; Tevet, Yaara; Sun, Jichao; Stavsky, Alexandra; Tal, Shani; Kahn, Joy; Roy, Subhojit; Gitler, Daniel · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2019

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The normal function of α-synuclein (α-syn) remains elusive. Although recent studies suggest α-syn as a physiologic attenuator of synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling, mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that synapsin-a cytosolic protein with known roles in SV mobilization and clustering-is required for presynaptic functions of α-syn. Our data offer a critical missing link and advocate a model where α-syn and synapsin cooperate to cluster SVs and attenuate recycling.

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