The synucleins are a small, soluble, highly conserved group of neuronal proteins that have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The synuclein family consists of α-, β-, and γ-synuclein (SNCG). Synuclein γ (SNCG) is a human gene localized at 10q23.20 23.3. SNCG cDNA is ~5 kb in length and comprised of five exons that translate into a protein of 127 amino acids. In cooperation with other members of the family γ-synuclein plays role in regulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Changes of γ-synuclein expression in peripheral tissues has been linked with metabolic and oncological diseases. The α- and β-synuclein proteins participate in the development and function of the central nervous system, and may be important in the etiology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. SNCG is not clearly involved in neurodegenerative diseases. However, a stage-specific upregulation of SNCG has been found in advanced breast carcinomas and other malignancies, including ovarian, gastric, esophagus, liver, colon, pancreatic, and bladder cancers. γ-Synuclein is highly expressed in human white adipose tissue and increased in obesity.
- References to Synuclein-gamma (SNCG, Synuclein-γ)