There is much interest at the moment in the role of alpha-synuclein in the pathogenesis PD. I thought it would be interesting to go through my posts, most of which were based on epidemiological evidence, and see if there were any implications of an involvement of alpha-synuclein.

"At least one strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus leaves survivors at significantly increased risk for Parkinson’s disease and possibly other neurological problems later in life, according to new research from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital."

"Researchers also found evidence that the avian flu infection led to over-production of a protein found in the brain cells of individuals with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The protein, alpha-synuclein, collected in H5N1-infected cells throughout the brain, including the midbrain where key dopamine-producing cells are located. There was little protein accumulation in the brain cells of uninfected mice."

tag johnt:alpha-synuclein

References:

[1] "Avian Influenza Strain Primes Brain For Parkinson’s Disease"
January 17, 2013, Northwest Neurology
http://www.northwestneurology.net/av...nsons-disease/
John