Alpha-synuclein
One in a family of structurally related proteins that are prominently expressed in the central nervous system.
Aggregated alpha-synuclein proteins form brain lesions that are hallmarks of some neurodegenerative diseases (synucleinopathies).
The gene for alpha-synuclein, which is called SNCA, is on chromosome 4q21. One form of hereditary Parkinson disease is due to mutations in SNCA.
Another form of hereditary Parkinson disease is due to a triplication of SNCA.
See also: Parkinson disease gene