/soy/ - Soyjaks

SNCA encodes alpha-synuclein, a presynaptic neuronal protein that regulates synaptic vesicle trafficking and neurotransmitter release. It enhances vesicle priming, fusion, and fusion pore dilation through increased local Ca²⁺ release. In its membrane-bound multimeric form, it acts as a molecular chaperone and supports SNARE-complex assembly, helping sustain synaptic function during aging.

SNCA also modulates dopamine neurotransmission through interaction with the dopamine transporter DAT1, linking vesicle dynamics to dopaminergic signaling. The protein is found in the axon, cytoplasm, cytosol, and extracellular region. Expression is high in the brain, with additional high levels in the renal and hematopoietic systems, and RNA expression is also reported in the peripheral nervous system.

Pathogenic variants in SNCA are reported in Parkinson disease 1, autosomal dominant, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson disease 4, autosomal dominant. Defects in SNCA have been implicated in Parkinson disease, and SNCA peptides are a major component of amyloid plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. No specific gene-targeted drugs are named for SNCA here.