The aggregation kinetics of α-Synuclein at neutral pH under quiescent conditions

α-Synuclein (αS) is a presynaptic protein involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release via its interaction with synaptic vesicles. However, the propensity of αS to aggregate into amyloid fibrils and familial mutations have long been linked to neuropathological and genetic factors of Parkinson's disease (PD). αS potentially contributes in various ways to PD pathogenesis but it is predominantly believed that the oligomers and protofibrils are the toxic aggregate species leading to disruption in cellular homeostasis followed by subsequent neuronal death.