SYNUCLEIN-BASED ASSAY AND NOVEL SYNUCLEIN PROTEIN

摘要

A novel member of the synuclein family has been identified and is termed persyn. The full amino acid sequence for the mouse and human isoforms are given in SEQ ID Nos 2 and 4, with the respective nucleotide coding sequences being given as SEQ ID Nos 1 and 3. The unusual expression pattern noted for persyn, in neurons and in skin, led to the realisation that synucleins affect intracellular intermediate filament structure. Thus, an assay for cells exhibiting abnormal intermediate filament structure is described, based upon evaluation of intracellular synuclein. The assay is special relevance to neurodegenerative disorders characterised by plaque deposition, to cancers (especially breast cancer) and to skin disorders. An assay for screening agents of potential therapeutic value is also described.