Background The intrinsically disordered protein α-synuclein, a hallmark of Parkinson disease, is involved in mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegeneration and directly interacts with mitochondria. Results α-Synuclein regulates VDAC permeability; α-synuclein toxicity in yeast depends on VDAC. Conclusion α-Synuclein both blocks VDAC and translocates via this channel across the mitochondrial outer membrane. Significance (Patho)physiological roles of monomeric α-synuclein may originate from its interaction with VDAC.
