Using cryo-ET to reveal the molecular architecture of neuronal α-Synuclein inclusions

α-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation is a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple systems atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The molecular architecture of α-Syn inclusions remains unclear and in recent years several hypotheses were posed on the exact functioning.

To test these ideas the authors of the article "In situ architecture of neuronal α-Synuclein inclusions" employed cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to reveal the molecular architecture of α-Syn aggregates at high resolution within neurons. In this Journal club, our hosts Dr. Caspar Jonker and Marit Smeets will discuss α-Syn aggregates, which consist of cellular organelles and α-Syn fibrils as shown in the article. However, α-Syn does not link organelles to each other and fibrils do not interact with membranes directly.

Are you interested in this topic? Don't miss the chance to talk about it in the fifth episode of the Delmic Cryo-ET Journal Club! Looking forwarding to seeing you soon!

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