Alpha-Synuclein Nitration and Its Implications in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is pathologically characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the accumulation of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions known as Lewy bodies, which are primarily composed of alpha-synuclein. Post translational modifications of alpha-synuclein induced by nitrative stress have been linked to neurodegeneration. Here, we review the concept of alpha-synuclein nitration and its biological consequences. We also discuss the pathological roles of nitrated alpha-synuclein and their potential clinical implications in Parkinson's disease.