{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Alpha-synuclein is a 140 amino acids protein encoded by the SNCA gene. It is predominantly expressed in the neocortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra, thalamus, and cerebellum with smaller amounts found in the heart, muscles, and other tissues. In the brain, alpha-synuclein is found mainly in presynaptic terminals. Alpha-synuclein aggregates to form insoluble fibrils in pathological conditions characterized by Lewy bodies, such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. These disorders are known as synucleinopathies. Alpha-synuclein pathology is also found in both sporadic and familial cases with Alzheimer’s disease."}]}]}