Astrocytic cathepsin D promotes α-synuclein processing and Lewy neurite-like aggregate maturation.

Astrocytic cathepsin D facilitates α-synuclein processing and promotes Lewy neurite-like aggregate maturation in a neuron-astrocyte system.

• Why it matters: Understanding astrocytes' role in α-synuclein pathology is crucial because their contribution to aggregate processing and transfer may influence Parkinson's disease progression and therapeutic strategies.
• What they did: Using a neuron-astrocyte co-culture system, the study examined how astrocytes internalize α-synuclein fibrils, generate truncated species via Cathepsin D, and transfer material to neurons, promoting aggregate maturation.
• The result: Findings reveal that astrocytic lysosomal remodeling of α-synuclein supports aggregate maturation and intercellular spread, highlighting astrocytes as active players in synucleinopathy propagation.