Topic: synaptophysin-pHluorin

Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is an abundant presynaptic protein that associates with the surface of synaptic vesicles (SVs). It is the main component of Lewy bodies, abnormal protein aggregates that serve as a hallmark of both sporadic and familial forms of Parkinson's disease (PD). While its physiological role in the synapse remains elusive, recent studies indicate it attenuates synaptic transmission and regulates SV clustering. Specifically, when human α-syn (h-α-syn) is over-expressed in mouse neurons by viral transduction or in transgenic mice, it inhibits SV recycling and disperses the SV clus