Figure 2.

Alpha-synuclein (SNCA), circSNCA, and the cellular stressors acting on the neurodegenerative process of PD. (a) The CDS region of SNCA mRNA originates the (b) normal folded SNCA protein, which, under (c) oxidative stress, causes the formation of (d) SNCA aggregates. These aggregates induce toxicity and further neurodegeneration. The 3′UTR region of SNCA mRNA originates (e) circSNCA, which acts as a sponge for miR-7 (f,g), leading to an increase in pro-apoptotic proteins and neurodegeneration. Abbreviations: 5′UTR, 5′untranslated region; 3′UTR, 3′untranslated region; CDS, coding sequence.