Protein phase separation at the synapse - Alpha-synuclein in health and disease
Alpha-synuclein is a presynaptic protein which has garnered attention due to its involvement in the formation of protein aggregates. These are known as Lewy bodies and are the pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. Recent research suggests that protein phase separation and the subsequent formation of condensates could play a critical role for the function alpha-synuclein as well as its aggregation. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon, it is essential to understand how alpha-synuclein phase separation is regulated within its biological context. Combining in-vitro biochemical studies, cellular phase separation assays and super-resolution imaging in the lamprey reticulospinal giant synapse model we delve into the principles of synapse compartmentalization, studying alpha-synuclein function and dysfunction in disease.
Strategic CIMR themes: Neurological diseases, Rare genetic diseases, Membrane trafficking, Protein folding & quality control
Funding: The Royal Society, Leverhulme Trust, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust
Research Group Members: Dr Aswathy Chandran, Dr Aishwarya Agarwal, Jade Vallin