title: Functional characterization of alpha-synuclein protein with antimicrobial activity.
abstract: Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn), a small (14 kDa) protein associated with Parkinson's disease, is abundant in human neural tissues. α-Syn plays an important role in maintaining a supply of synaptic vesicles in presynaptic terminals; however, the mechanism by which it performs this function are not well understood. In addition, there is a correlation between α-Syn over-expression and upregulation of an innate immune response. Given the growing body of literature surrounding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the brain, and the similarities between α-Syn and a previously characterized AMP, Amyloid-β, we set out to investigate if α-Syn shares AMP-like properties. Here we demonstrate that α-Syn exhibits antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, we demonstrate a role for α-Syn in inhibiting various pathogenic fungal strains such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizoctonia solani. We also analyzed localizations of recombinant α-Syn protein in E. coli and Candida albicans. These results suggest that in addition to α-Syn's role in neurotransmitter release, it appears to be a natural AMP.
authors: Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeollanam-do, 57922, Republic of Korea.
authors: Seong-Cheol
authors: SC
authors: Park
authors: National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun, 33657, Republic of Korea; DNA Analysis Section, Busan Institute of National Forensic Service, 50 Kumoh-ro, Mulgum-eup, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 50612, Republic of Korea.
authors: Jeong Chan
authors: JC
authors: Moon
authors: National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun, 33657, Republic of Korea.
authors: Su Young
authors: SY
authors: Shin
authors: National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, 75 Jangsan-ro, Janghang-eup, Seocheon-gun, 33662, Republic of Korea.
authors: Hyosuk
authors: H
authors: Son
authors: National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun, 33657, Republic of Korea.
authors: Young Jun
authors: YJ
authors: Jung
authors: Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeollanam-do, 57922, Republic of Korea.
authors: Nam-Hong
authors: NH
authors: Kim
authors: Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeollanam-do, 57922, Republic of Korea.
authors: Young-Min
authors: YM
authors: Kim
authors: Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeollanam-do, 57922, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: jmk8856@sunchon.ac.kr.
authors: Mi-Kyeong
authors: MK
authors: Jang
authors: National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun, 33657, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: leejr73@nie.re.kr.
authors: Jung Ro
authors: JR
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects; D005658:Fungi / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000378:metabolism; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D051844:alpha-Synuclein / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D009930:Organic Chemicals; C402795:SYTOX Green; D051844:alpha-Synuclein
keywords: Alpha-synuclein; Antibacterial activity; Antifungal activity; Defense mechanism