The a-synuclein gene was discovered on chromosome 4 and is responsible for early-onset autosomal dominant Parkinson's disease (PD).  It is an abundant protein whose major site of expression is in the nervous system.  Human "-synuclein is also known to be a precursor of the non-b-amyloid component protein of Alzheimer's disease where one of its fragments associates with amyloid deposits.  The function of this gene product is currently unknown, but it is being shown to be associated with other neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple-system atrophy.

A goat antiserum to a synthetic peptide that corresponds to amino acids 116-131 of the C-terminus of human a-synuclein protein is currently available. This antiserum has been shown to be immunoreactive with the unconjugated immunizing peptide by ELISA. This antibody has been shown to immunolabel Lewy bodies in PD brains using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections.  This antibody should be a valuable tool for scientists working to understand the role of a-synuclein in PD.

This antiserum was produced using proprietary methodology whereby the peptide is attached to a carrier that elicits minimal immunoreactivity so that the antiserum has a higher degree of specificity for the peptide.  Since there is no overwhelming production of interfering antibodies to the carrier, this antiserum can routinely be used without further purification.  Pseud-Immune™ control immune serum (Cat no. GPA018E) from a mock immunized animal is available to be used in conjunction with this antibody as well as the immunizing peptide (Cat no. HSP009C), which can be used to neutralize immunoreactivity.

Manufacturing Reference:

Spillantini, M.G., et al.  Nature 388:839-840, 1997.