The interaction of Hsc70 protein with fibrillar α-Synuclein and its therapeutic potential in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

We recently described the effect of the constitutively expressed chaperone, Hsc70 protein, on α‑Synuclein aggregation, a phenomenon associated with Parkinson disease. In vitro, Hsc70 binds to soluble α‑Syn and slows down its assembly into fibrils. Hsc70 also binds fibrillar α‑Syn, 5-fold tighter than soluble α‑Syn. This interaction reduces the cytotoxicity associated with naked α‑Syn fibrils. Herein, we discuss the feasibility of engineering a "minichaperone" which could be used against α‑Syn assembly propagation in Parkinson disease: taking what is necessary and sufficient within Hsc70 to protect against the damaging repercussions of high molecular weight α‑Syn species' passage from one neuron to another in the brain.