The Relationship between Alpha-Synuclein (SNCA) Gene Polymorphisms and Development Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the motor system and occurring in the central nervous system. One of the symptoms of PD is accumulation of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. The alpha-synuclein (SNCA) gene is part of the protein complex called Lewy body. The SNCA gene encoding a presynaptic protein product is thought to play a role in PD-related important pathways. It is suggested that there is a relationship between the risk of PD development and SNCA levels, and it is suggested that SNCA level is an important marker in PD diagnosis. Various polymorphisms have been identified in the 5 ′ and/or 3 ′ UTR regions of the SNCA gene, and as a result of these polymorphisms, changes occur in the binding of transcription factors. The identification of the roles of SNCA gene polymorphisms in PD development may enable the development of new methods for the treatment of PD.