| Primary Identifier | IPR002461 | Type | Family |
| Short Name | Synuclein_beta |
| description | Synucleins are small, soluble proteins expressed primarily in neural tissue and in certain tumors [, ]. The family includes three known proteins: alpha-synuclein, beta-synuclein, and gamma-synuclein. All synucleins have in common a highly conserved α-helical lipid-binding motif with similarity to the class-A2 lipid-binding domains of the exchangeable apolipoproteins [].Synuclein family members are not found outside vertebrates, although they have some conserved structural similarity with plant 'late-embryo-abundant' proteins. The alpha- and beta-synuclein proteins are found primarily in brain tissue, where they are seen mainly in presynaptic terminals [, ]. The gamma-synuclein protein is found primarily in the peripheral nervous system and retina, but its expression in breast tumors []is a marker for tumor progression [].Normal cellular functions have not been determined for any of the synuclein proteins,although some data suggest a role in the regulation of membrane stability and/or turnover.Mutations in alpha-synuclein are associated with rare familial cases of early-onset Parkinson'sdisease, and the protein accumulates abnormally in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease,and several other neurodegenerative illnesses []. Beta-synuclein, also known as PNP 14, is expressed in the brain, specifically in synapses aroundneurons, but not in glial cells. The protein, which has been designateda phosphoneuroprotein, has been found to be phosphorylated in vitro and invivo []. It is believed that the physiological functions of beta-synuclein may be controlled by the phosphorylation reaction. |
