Microglial exosomes facilitate α-synuclein transmission in Parkinson’s disease

Accumulation of neuronal α-synuclein is a prominent feature in Parkinson's disease. More recently, such abnormal protein aggregation has been reported to spread from cell to cell and exosomes are considered as important mediators. The focus of such research, however, has been primarily in neurons. Given the increasing recognition of the importance of non-cell autonomous-mediated neurotoxicity, it is critical to investigate the contribution of glia to α-synuclein aggregation and spread. Microglia are the primary phagocytes in the brain and have been well-documented as inducers of neuroinflammation. How and to what extent microglia and their exosomes impact α-synuclein pathology has not been well delineated. We…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 81870915, 81571232, 81571109, 81971013
• SA
  Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality

  Award: 16411970200
• NI
  National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

  Awards: R35-ES030523, R01-ES022274