Alpha-Synuclein was originally found in Alzheimer's disease brains by Kenji Uéda et al. Microtubules are cytoskeletal polymers essential for axonal transport and neuronal function. Writing in the article, Kenji Uéda, Ph.D., states, "Now we can see a striking resemblance between alpha-synuclein and tau: both have the same physiological function and pathological features, making abnormal structures in diseased brains known as synucleinopathies and tauopathies. The discovery of a physiological role for alpha-synuclein may provide a new dimension in researches into the mechanisms of alpha-synuclein-associated neurodegenerative diseases."
"These novel and important findings offer a new window to explore the normal physiology of these diseases" stated George Perry, editor-in-chief, JAD.
The article is "Demonstration of a role for alpha-synuclein as a functional microtubule-associated protein" by M. Abdul Alim, Qiu-Lan Ma, Kazuya Takeda, Takako Aizawa, Mamoru Matsubara, Minako Nakamura, Akiko Asada, Taro Saito, Hiroyuki Kaji, Mitsunobu Yoshii, Shinichi Hisanaga and Kenji Uéda. It appears in Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Vol. 6, Number 4 published by IOS Press.
Full text of the article mentioned above is available upon request. Contact info@iospress.nl to obtain a copy or to schedule an interview. ©2004 IOS Press. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
About the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (www.j-alz.com) is an international multidisciplinary journal to facilitate progress in understanding the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetics, behavior, treatment and psychology of Alzheimer's disease. The journal publishes research reports, reviews, short communications, book reviews, and letters-to-the-editor. The journal is dedicated to providing an open forum for original research that will expedite our fundamental understanding of Alzheimer's disease.
About IOS Press
Commencing its publishing activities in 1987, IOS Press (www.iospress.com) is a rapidly expanding scientific, technical, medical and professional publishing house focusing on a broad range of subject areas. Headquartered in Amsterdam, IOS Press publishes approximately 100 new books per annum and 60 international journals, covering topics ranging from computer science and mathematics to medicine and the natural sciences. Electronic access to all journals is now available. IOS Press also maintains offices in the Washington, DC area and Berlin and a co-publishing relationship with Ohmsha, Ltd (Tokyo).