"Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized pathologically by the accumulation of aggregated conformations of the presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein (ASYN) in cytoplasmic inclusions termed Lewy Bodies (LBs). Furthermore, aberrant aggregated species of ASYN accumulate in various disease states, such as Multiple System Atrophy, Diffuse LB Disease, LB Variant of Alzheimer’s Disease and others, collectively termed synucleinopathies. Point mutations and multiplications of the ASYN gene have been identified in PD, and there is also genetic evidence linking ASYN to sporadic PD. These data suggest that aberrant conformations of ASYN plays a central role in the pathogenesis of genetic and sporadic PD and likely of other devastating neurodegenerative conditions. The aim of this proposal is to create a network of European partners who will examine, using state of the art in vitro assays, and diverse cellular and animal models, including novel cellular and in vivo imaging modalities, ASYN conformations, regulation, and mechanisms of toxicity. Through this work, biomarkers and experimental therapeutics targeting ASYN will be tested. This network will create the opportunity for training of a number of early stage researchers in the diverse fields of protein chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, neurobiology, and animal modeling of nervous system diseases, within an interdisciplinary setting, while exposing them to both Academic and Industrial environments."