Immunotherapy Weekly via NewsEdge Corporation :

2005 JUL 20 - (NewsRx.com) -- A recently published study from Spain has documented alpha-synuclein binding to rab3a in multiple system atrophy (MSA).

"Glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) are characteristic protein deposits in MSA, which are composed of abnormally phosphorylated, partially insoluble alpha-synuclein. In addition, recent studies have shown abnormal widespread accumulation of alpha-synuclein in neurons and neuronal processes, and in several regions including the thalamus and cerebral cortex in MSA," wrote E. Dalfo and colleagues, University of Belvitge Hospital.

"Combined alpha-synuclein and rab3a immunoprecipitation assays have shown alpha-synuclein/rab3a binding in the cerebellum and pons (in which GCIs were present) and in the cerebral cortex (area 8) (in which GCIs were absent) in MSA cases, but not in the cerebellum and cereberal cortex in age-matched controls.

"Similar findings were found in MSA-C and MSA-P cases (olivopontocerebellar atrophy and striatonigral degeneration types, respectively), thus indicating possible abnormal interactions of alpha-synuclein and rab3a in diseased brains," wrote the researchers.

"Abnormal alpha-synuctein binding to rab3a was also found in the substantia nigra but not in the cerebral cortex in Parkinson disease. These findings suggest membrane and synaptic vesicle trafficking as vulnerable targets in MSA.

"Since rab3a is a member of the Ras super-family of small (21-25 kDa) GTP-binding proteins which is involved in the regulation of the internal trafficking, exocytosis and neurotransmission, and vesicle endocytosis, the present findings might suggest membrane and synaptic vesicle trafficking as vulnerable targets in MSA," concluded the authors.

Dalfo and colleagues published their study in Neuroscience Letters (alpha-Synuclein binding to rab3a in multiple system atrophy. Neurosci Lett, 2005;380(1-2):170-175).

For additional information, contact I. Ferrer, University of Belvitge Hospital, Institute of Neuropathology, Service of Anatomy &Pathology, Carrer Feixa Llarga SN, Lhospitalet De Llobregat 08907, Spain.

The publisher of the journal Neuroscience Letters can be contacted at: Elsevier Ireland Ltd., Elsevier House, Brookvale Plaza, East Park Shannon, CO, Clare, 00000, Ireland.

Keywords: Lhospitalet De Llobregat, Spain, Alpha Synuclein, Binding, Disease Association, Glial Cytoplasmic Inclusions, Multiple System Atrophy, Neurology, Parkinson Disease, Rab, Atrophy.

This article was prepared by Immunotherapy Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2005, Immunotherapy Weekly via NewsRx.com.

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