Biophysics of α-synuclein membrane interactions

► We provide a synopsis of biophysical probes of membrane protein structure. ► We review the role of α-synuclein, a neuronal membrane-associated protein, in Parkinson's disease. ► We discuss the interactions of α-synuclein with model membranes and current structural models of the membrane-bound form. ► We present different mechanisms of how α-synuclein and membrane interactions are linked to Parkinson's disease.