Synergistic Effects of Pesticides and Metals on The Fibrillation of α-synuclein: Implications for Parkinson’s Diseasev
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2002
Keywords
α-synuclein, Aggregation, Fibrils, Pesticides, Metals
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0161-813X(02)00067-0
Abstract
Aggregation of α-synuclein has been implicated in the formation of proteinaceous inclusions in the brain (Lewy bodies, Lewy neurites) that are characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLBs). The etiology of PD is unknown, but recent work has shown that except in rare cases, there appears to be no direct genetic basis. However, several studies have implicated environmental factors, especially pesticides and metals. Here we show that certain pesticides and metals induce a conformational change in α-synuclein and directly accelerate the rate of formation of α-synuclein fibrils in vitro. In addition, the simultaneous presence of metal and pesticide led to synergistic effects on the rate of fibrillation. We propose a model in which environmental factors in conjunction with genetic susceptibility may form the underlying molecular basis for idiopathic PD.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
NeuroToxicology, v. 23, issue 4-5, art. 527
Scholar Commons Citation
Uversky, Vladimir N.; Li, Jie; Bower, Kiowa; and Fink, Anthony L., "Synergistic Effects of Pesticides and Metals on The Fibrillation of α-synuclein: Implications for Parkinson’s Diseasev" (2002). Molecular Medicine Faculty Publications. 590.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/mme_facpub/590
