AD/PD 2021 | Glycation drives neurodegeneration in synucleinopathies

Glycation is a spontaneous non-enzymatic reaction of free reducing sugars with free amino groups of proteins, DNA, and lipids. Tiago Outeiro, PhD, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany, discusses his recent work on how glycation affects alpha-synuclein aggregation, the typical pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. Data shows that glycation does not cause Lewy bodies’ formation but promotes the accumulation of toxic oligomeric species. Additionally, glycation might be the missing link between diabetes and an increased risk of PD. This interview took place during the AD/PD™ 2021 conference.