SNCA
Synuclein Alpha
Gene Number: 6622
Location: 4q22.1
Key Functions: Synaptic vesicle regulation, neurotransmitter release, neuronal communication
SNCA produces alpha-synuclein, a protein concentrated at the connections between nerve cells. It helps regulate the small vesicles that store and release neurotransmitters. Abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein is a central feature of Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies [R, R].
This report examines rs356219 and rs11931074, two common SNCA variants studied for their relationship with Parkinson’s disease susceptibility.
Explore your genotypes below, or visit MAPT and tau biology and DRD2 and dopamine signaling to learn about related aspects of brain function.
SNP ID | Your Genotype | Alt Allele | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
rs356219 | Analyze your DNA to see your genotype | G | Analyze your DNA to see a personalized result. |
rs11931074 | Analyze your DNA to see your genotype | T | Analyze your DNA to see a personalized result. |
rs356219 — Parkinson’s Disease Susceptibility
AA – No copies of the G allele associated with increased Parkinson’s disease susceptibility.
AG – Approximately 26% higher risk for Parkinson’s disease.
GG – Approximately 96% higher risk for Parkinson’s disease.
These genotype estimates come from a 2019 meta-analysis that found associations in both Asian and European-ancestry populations [R].
Functional effect: rs356219 is a noncoding marker near the 3′ end of SNCA. Research links this region to differences in gene expression, but the direction depends on brain tissue and the transcripts measured [R].
rs11931074 — A Second SNCA Susceptibility Marker
GG – No copies of the T allele associated with increased Parkinson’s disease susceptibility.
GT – Associated with increased Parkinson’s disease susceptibility.
TT – Approximately 87% higher risk for Parkinson’s disease.
A 2018 meta-analysis combined 33 studies involving 45,078 participants. When GT and TT were grouped together, T-allele carriers had approximately 44% higher odds than GG [R].
Functional effect: rs11931074 is a noncoding marker near the 3′ end of SNCA. It marks variation in a region studied for its influence on RNA processing and gene regulation, without changing the alpha-synuclein protein sequence [R].
How to Read These Results Together
These markers can be inherited together and capture overlapping genetic information. Their odds ratios should not be multiplied together to estimate combined risk [R].
The percentages describe relative odds compared with the stated reference genotype, not your percentage chance of developing Parkinson’s disease. This report covers common susceptibility markers; it does not test for the rare SNCA pathogenic variants or gene duplications that can cause familial Parkinson’s disease [R].
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