Alpha-synuclein (1-13) is derived from the alpha-synuclein intrinsically disordered protein which is found in neurons and presynaptic terminals. Encoded by the SNCA1/PARK1 gene alpha-synclein is structurally composed of 140 amino acids, making up the three domains: N-terminal membrane binding domain, a hydrophobic non-amyloid-beta component domain and a hydrophilic C-terminal domain. Usually alpha-synuclein plays a role in protecting neurons from apoptotic stimuli and is involved in synaptic vesical trafficking.

Accumulation of alpha-synuclein aggregates can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. It is further involved in the fibrilisation of amyloid beta and tau which play a major role in Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid fibrils are formed from alpha synuclein monomers within the cytosol and when bound to membranes these monomers can undergo conformational changes to form protofibrils and then ring like oligomers. This can result in the formation of transmembrane pores which disrupts the membrane, calcium homeostasis and signalling.

In familial Parkinson’s disease the SNCA1 gene, can be subjected to point mutations such as A30P, E46K and A53T, or over expression. These can result in the increased aggregation of alpha-synuclein.