Role of α-Synuclein in the Prefrontal Cortex: From Physiological Synaptic Modulation to Synaptic Failure in Parkinson’s Disease

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α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a key presynaptic protein, primarily known for its role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies, including dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Although much of the research has focused on the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) pathway, there is growing recognition that the accumulation of misfolded α-Syn in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a critical driver of non-motor symptoms and cognitive deficits in PD and DLB. This review examines the dual role of α-Syn in the PFC circuitry, initially exploring its regulation of synaptic vesicle (SV) dynamics and recycling to maintain stable neurotransmission. We highlight its contribution to the modulation of glutamatergic (Glu) and GABAergic (γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA) synapses, which ensures the functional excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance of prefrontal circuits. Conversely, in PD and DLB, the transition of functional α-Syn monomers to pathological oligomers triggers a cascade of synaptic failures. We analyze how α-Syn aggregation causes pathology in dendritic spines, leads to a progressive reduction in the density of synaptic markers, and impairs cortical plasticity. Synthesizing evidence from neuroimaging studies, post-mortem human cortical samples, and animal models, this review emphasizes the PFC as a vulnerable brain region where α-Syn-mediated synaptic dysfunction translates into cognitive and emotional deficits. Deciphering these early synaptic alterations is essential for developing neuroprotective strategies that preserve cortical function in PD and DLB.

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