ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS - MURDERER OR ACCOMPLICE

Several neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by intracellular protein accumulations or inclusions, such as the Lewy bodies of Parki nson's disease. Although little is know about the origin of these accu mulations and their specific affect on neurons, it seems likely that a s they grow they prove fatal to the cell. Here Michael Brownstein and colleagues speculate on a broad role for alpha synuclein in the develo pment of Lewy bodies and the other protein inclusions associated with neurodegeneration.