Synucleinopathies

Neurodegenerative disorders involving deposition of abnormal ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN in dopaminergic neurons and glial cells in the brain. Pathological aggregations of alpha-synuclein proteins results in LEWY BODIES and Lewy neurites; melanin granules in the SUBSTANTIA NIGRA and LOCUS COERULEUS; and glial cytoplasmic inclusions. Synucleinopathies are associated with mutation in the ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN (SNCA) gene on chromosome 4. PARKINSON DISEASE; LEWY BODY DISEASE with dementia; and MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY are prominent examples of synucleinopathy.