α-synuclein expression localizes to the Golgi apparatus in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells

Abstract

α-Synuclein (αS) is a protein of unknown function linked to Parkinson's disease. We examined αS expression in adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. Immunocytochemistry showed expression of αS in the Golgi apparatus and vesicles, consistent with its putative role in vesicular function within synapses, and with O-linked glycosylation of αS in autosomal-recessive Parkinson's disease. The chromaffin cell culture system offers advantages in studying the role of αS in vesicular trafficking and secretion. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.