Synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease are caused by the spread of misfolded α-synuclein through the brain. α-synuclein is one of a small number of proteins that, when misfolded, can encourage other molecules of the same protein to misfold in the same way, aggregating to form toxic solid deposits and a halo of disrupted biochemistry. Misfolded α-synuclein is particularly pernicious as it can pass from cell to cell, spreading pathology as it goes. Here, researchers explore one of the ways in which misfolded α-synuclein harms cells, by interfering in the supply of the energy store molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that is produced by <a href="https://en.wikip…
Misfolded α-Synuclein Breaks Down ATP, Harming Cell Function in the Brain
Synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease are caused by the spread of misfolded α-synuclein through the brain. α-synuclein is one of a small number of proteins that, when misfolded, can encourage other molecules of the same protein to misfold in the same way, aggregating to form toxic solid deposits and a halo of disrupted biochemistry. Misfolded α-synuclein is particularly pernicious as it can pass from cell to cell, spreading pathology as it goes. Here, researchers explore one of the ways in which misfolded α-synuclein harms cells, by interfering in the supply of the energy store molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that is produced by <a href="https://en.wikip…