Oligodendrocytes from neural stem cells express α-synuclein: Increased numbers from presenilin I deficient mice

Abstract

α-Synuclein normally a synaptic vesicle-associated cytoplasmic protein is the major component of filamentous inclusions of neurons in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. It is also the major component of glial inclusions of multiple system atrophy. In characterizing cells derived from embryonic neural stem cells we found all oligodendrocytes had strong cytoplasmic expression of α-synuclein. Comparison of cells from presenilin I (PSI)-deficient mice with wild type revealed a 7-fold increase in oligodendrocytes. Western blotting analysis indicated the cells contained α-synuclein monomers and SDS-stable dimers and trimers. This cell system of oligodendroglial α-synuclein expressi..