Synaptophysin Protein (Syp) is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
The Allen Brain Atlas provides gene expression data for SYP:
Synaptophysin (SYP) is the most abundant synaptic vesicle membrane protein, constituting ~10% of synaptic vesicle protein content. It is widely used as a specific marker for presynaptic terminals and synaptic density in the brain. Synaptophysin plays essential roles in synaptic vesicle formation, trafficking, and neurotransmitter release, and its levels are robust biomarkers for synaptic health in neurodegenerative diseases.
Synaptophysin is a 38 kDa protein with unique topology:
| Application | Utility | Sample Type |
|---|---|---|
| Synaptic integrity | Diagnose/ stage AD | CSF, brain tissue |
| Disease progression | Monitor decline | CSF (longitudinal) |
| Therapeutic response | Track efficacy | CSF, blood |
| Differential diagnosis | Distinguish dementia types | CSF |
Wiedenmann B, Franke WW. (1985). "Identification and localization of synaptophysin, an integral membrane glycoprotein of Mr 38,000 characteristic of presynaptic vesicles." Cell. PMID:3919797 - Original discovery of synaptophysin.
Calhoun ME, et al. (1996). "Synapse number of cortical pyramidal neurons." Proc Natl Acad Sci. PMID:8662841 - Synaptophysin as synapse marker in AD.
Masliah E, et al. (1990). "Synaptic and neuritic alterations in the hippocampus in aging and Alzheimer disease." Ann Neurol. PMID:2246877 - Synaptic pathology in AD.
Honer WG, et al. (1992). "Synaptophysin and tryosine hydroxylase expression in the rat brain." Synapse. PMID:1374424 - Expression patterns.
Davidsson P, et al. (2001). "Proteome analysis of cerebrospinal fluid proteins in Alzheimer disease." Mol Proteomics. PMID:11289424 - CSF synaptophysin as biomarker.
This page was created to expand protein coverage in NeuroWiki. Last updated: 2026-03-03
The study of Synaptophysin Protein (Syp) has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.