Elevated plasma levels of alpha-synuclein are dispensable for Parkinson’s disease pathology
Although α-synuclein levels are elevated in the blood plasma of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, it remains unclear whether blood-derived α-synuclein directly contributes to PD. To investigate this, we developed a novel mouse model in which human α-synuclein levels are increased in the blood. Despite a significant increase in α-synuclein in the blood, no noticeable behavioral abnormalities were observed in aged mice. Additionally, we did not observe plasma α-synuclein aggregation in the blood or entry of human α-synuclein into the brain. These results suggest that elevated blood levels of α-synuclein may not be sufficient to induce PD progression.
Authors
- Doo‐Jin Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4934-4931)
- Won‐Jong Oh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8867-7814)
- Namsuk Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5043-0293)
- Jin-Young Jeong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6015-1896)
- Hyong Kyu Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7247-1627)
- Yan Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9481-8086)
Institutions
- Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (KR)
- Korea Brain Research Institute (KR)
- Chungbuk National University Hospital (KR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- npj Parkinson s Disease
- Published
- 2025-08-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-025-01091-z
- Primary Topic
- Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms and Treatments
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Korea Brain Research Institute
- Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea