Fig. 2.

Distinct α-syn strains may underlie the phenotypic diversity of synucleinopathies. a General schematic of α-syn strain formation. Monomeric α-syn can aggregate into conformationally-distinct pathological α-syn species as a result of spontaneous nucleation, through seeded aggregation by distinct or maturing strains, or through conversion within a specific cellular milieu. b It is possible that the observed heterogeneity of synucleinopathies results, in part, from differential effects of α-syn strains on distinct neuronal populations (Neuron A and Neuron B) and other cell types within the central nervous system such as glia. Indicated are two putative strains of α-syn seeds (blue and gray objects) differentially affecting distinct cell types (neurons and glia)