Tags: Protein.
Alpha-synuclein is a protein that is abundant in the human brain. Smaller amounts are found in the heart muscles and other tissues. In the brain alpha-synuclein is found mainly at the tips of nerve cells (neurons) in specialized structures called presynaptic terminals. Within these structures alpha-synuclein interacts with phospholipids and proteins. Presynaptic terminals release chemical messengers called neurotransmitters from compartments known as synaptic vesicles.