Can infections trigger alpha-synucleinopathies?

Christopher T. Tulisiak, Gabriela Mercado, Wouter Peelaerts, Lena Brundin, Patrik Brundin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

As synucleinopathies, Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) are neurodegenerative diseases that involve the spread of pathogenic alpha-synuclein (αSyn) throughout the brain. Recent studies have suggested a role for αSyn as an antimicrobial peptide in response to PD- and MSA-related infections of peripheral tissues, including those in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems. In this chapter, we examine epidemiological and experimental evidence for a role of peripheral microbial infections in triggering alpha-synucleinopathies. We propose a model of how infectious triggers, in conjunction with inflammatory, environmental, and genetic facilitators, may result in transfer of pathogenic αSyn strains from the periphery to the brain, where they propagate and spread. Finally, we discuss future research challenges and programs necessary to clarify the role of infections as triggers of PD and MSA and, ultimately, to prevent the onset of these diseases by infectious triggers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMolecular Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Subtitle of host publicationVisions for the Future, Part A
EditorsDavid B. Teplow
PublisherElsevier B.V.
Pages299-322
Number of pages24
ISBN (Print)9780128178744
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameProgress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
Volume168
ISSN (Print)1877-1173
ISSN (Electronic)1878-0814

Keywords

  • Alpha-synuclein
  • Antimicrobial peptides
  • Bacteria
  • Facilitators
  • Fungi
  • Infections
  • Multiple system atrophy
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Triggers
  • Viruses

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology

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