Membrane interfacial potential governs surface condensation and fibrillation of α-Synuclein in neurons - PubMed
5 hours ago
- #Neurodegeneration
- #α-Synuclein
- #Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation
- Membrane interfacial potential influences α-Synuclein condensation and fibrillation in neurons.
- α-Synuclein undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) at physiologically relevant concentrations without crowding agents.
- Condensation occurs on specific lipid membranes, highlighting the role of interfacial potential.
- These condensates act as nucleation sites for fibril formation, leading to membrane deformation and rupture.
- A lattice gas model describes this as a prewetting-like transition.
- Changes in lipid composition and membrane depolarization alter α-Synuclein puncta size, number, and release from neurons.
- Findings suggest a mechanism for cell-to-cell propagation of α-Synuclein in neurodegeneration.