Research overview
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BackgroundAggregation and misfolded alpha-synuclein is thought to be central in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) that are involved in refolding and degradation processes could lower the aggregate load of alpha-synuclein and thus be beneficial in alpha-synucleinopathies.Methodology/principal findingsWe co-overexpressed human A53T point-mutated alpha-synuclein and human HSP70 in mice, both under the control of Thy1 regulatory sequences. Behavior read-outs showed no beneficial effect of HSP70 expression in mice. In contrast, motor coordination, grip strength and weight were even worse in the alpha-synucleinopathy model in the presence of HSP70 overexpression. Biochemical analyses revealed no differences in alpha-synuclein oligomers/aggregates, truncations and phosphorylation levels and alpha-synuclein localization was unchanged in immunostainings.Conclusion/significanceOverexpressing HSP70 in a mouse model of alpha-synucleinopathy did not lower the toxic load of alpha-synuclein species and had no beneficial effect on alpha-synuclein-related motor deficits.
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