Dynamic aggregation processes of alpha-synuclein. Like other labs, we have found that the small synaptic protein alpha-synuclein, can aggregate and is associated with damage to neurons. This figure indicates that alpha-synuclein normally exists in equilibrium between membranes and the cytosol. Structurally, alpha-synuclein is unfolded in solution (indicated by the extended bar) but forms helix-like strcutures in association with membranes (top). In pathological conditions, including Parkinson disease, alpha-synuclein aggregates via small oligomeric intermediates to larger fibrillar forms as indicated by the progression down the figure, eventually being deposited into pathological structures known as Lewy bodies. There are several mutations in the gene associated with Lewy body diseases and their effects on promoting aggregation are indicated by arrows.