SNCA
SNCA (synuclein alpha, also known as alpha-synuclein, NACP, PD1, PARK1 and PARK4) is a neuronal protein that regulates synaptic vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release. It is a member of the synuclein family and has been implicated in Parkinson disease. Browse Assay Genie's current range of SNCA research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
SNCA is a neuronal protein with several roles in synaptic activity, including regulation of synaptic vesicle trafficking and the subsequent release of neurotransmitter. As a monomer it takes part in synaptic vesicle exocytosis, enhancing vesicle priming, fusion and dilation of exocytotic fusion pores. Mechanistically, it increases local Ca(2+) release from microdomains, which is essential for the enhancement of ATP-induced exocytosis.
In its multimeric, membrane-bound state SNCA also acts as a molecular chaperone. It assists in the folding of the SNAREs (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein REceptors), the synaptic fusion components at the presynaptic plasma membrane, working in conjunction with cysteine string protein-alpha/DNAJC5. This chaperone activity is important for sustaining normal SNARE-complex assembly during aging. SNCA also contributes to the regulation of dopamine neurotransmission by associating with the dopamine transporter (DAT1) and modulating its activity. UniProt records the protein in the cytoplasm, membrane, nucleus, synapse and axon, and as a secreted form.
Alpha-synuclein belongs to the synuclein family, which also includes beta- and gamma-synuclein. Synucleins are abundantly expressed in the brain, and alpha- and beta-synuclein selectively inhibit phospholipase D2. SNCA may serve to integrate presynaptic signalling and membrane trafficking. Defects in the SNCA gene have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease, which is reflected in the earlier names and aliases PARK1 and PARK4, and SNCA peptides are a major component of amyloid plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. The gene was formerly named synuclein, alpha (non A4 component of amyloid precursor), and alternatively spliced transcripts encoding different isoforms have been identified.
Defects in SNCA have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease, making it a central protein in studies of the disorder.
SNCA regulates vesicle trafficking, priming and fusion, and enhances exocytosis, so it is studied in neurotransmitter release.
SNCA associates with the dopamine transporter DAT1 and modulates its activity, linking it to dopaminergic signalling.
SNCA peptides are a major component of amyloid plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
SNCA is a neuronal protein that regulates synaptic vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release. As a monomer it enhances vesicle priming, fusion and fusion-pore dilation. In its multimeric membrane-bound state it acts as a chaperone for SNARE assembly, and it also modulates the dopamine transporter DAT1.
SNCA is also called alpha-synuclein, NACP, PD1, PARK1 and PARK4. Earlier names include Parkinson disease (autosomal dominant, Lewy body) 4 and synuclein, alpha (non A4 component of amyloid precursor). Alternatively spliced transcripts encoding different isoforms have been identified for the gene.
Defects in SNCA have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease, and SNCA peptides are a major component of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease brains. Mouse and rat both have an ortholog named Snca; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other synuclein family members, synaptic proteins and neurodegeneration-associated targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P37840; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.