Divalent metal ions enhance DOPAL-induced oligomerization of alpha-synuclein

- Divalent metal ions augment DOPAL-induced oligomerization of alpha-synuclein.
- Valency, not redox state, determines the augmentation of oligomerization.
- Dopamine and deaminated metabolites besides DOPAL do not oligomerize synuclein.
- Anti-oxidant treatment or divalent ion chelation attenuates metal ion effect.
- Cu2+ augments DOPAL-induced dimerization of alpha-synuclein in PC12 cells.