Solve: Exosomal SNCA Propagation from Lysosome-Compromised Neurons Contains a Distinct Lysosomal Proteome S

This challenge targets the hypothesis: **Exosomal SNCA Propagation from Lysosome-Compromised Neurons Contains a Distinct Lysosomal Proteome Signature that Primes Recipient Cells for Aggregation** **Hypothesis Summary:** Dopaminergic neurons with lysosomal stress (either from GBA1 mutations, VPS35 dysfunction, or age-related LAMP2A decline) release exosomes enriched in SNCA via a mechanism involving CD63 and syntenin-mediated exosome biogenesis at multivesicular bodies (MVBs). Critically, these exosomes carry a distinct cargo signature reflecting their lysosomal origin: they are enriched in mature cathepsins (particularly cathepsin D in its active form), LAMP1 fragments, and glucosylceramide. When these exosomes **Falsifiable Predictions:** 1. Pharmacological modulation of SNCA will alter neurodegeneration markers in validated models by ≥20% 2. Genetic knockdown of the key target will reproduce the pathological phenotype in ≥2 independent model systems 3. Patient-derived biosamples will show the predicted molecular signature (sensitivity ≥70%, specificity ≥70%) 4. Mechanistic intervention at the proposed node will rescue neuronal viability in vitro by ≥30% **Bounty Tier:** $127,670 USD (composite score 0.777) **Challenge Type:** Open — any team may submit experimental evidence supporting or refuting this hypothesis **Success Criteria:** Peer-reviewed evidence demonstrating mechanistic validation of ≥2 of the 4 predictions, with independent replication.

$127.7K
OPEN
Confidence:
70%
Created: 2026-04-28

Scoring Dimensions

GapImportanceTherapeuticPotentialInvestmentLevelUrgencyLandscapeScore Composite score: 0.699
Gap Importance0.78
Therapeutic Potential0.00
Investment Level0.00
Urgency0.60
Landscape Score0.00
Composite Score 0.699

Linked Targets (2)

LAMP1 Lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 PDB:5GV00.54
🧬 View 3D Structure — PDB 5GV0 click to expand

Powered by Mol* via PDBe | Rotate: click+drag | Zoom: scroll

SNCA Synuclein alpha PDB:1XQ80.60
🧬 View 3D Structure — PDB 1XQ8 click to expand

Powered by Mol* via PDBe | Rotate: click+drag | Zoom: scroll

Detected Targets:
SNCAGBA1

3D Protein Structure

View 3D structure: SNCA — PDB 1XQ8

Experimental structure from RCSB PDB | Powered by Mol* | Rotate: click+drag | Zoom: scroll

Landscape analysis not yet run for this challenge. Run the landscape analyzer to get competitive intelligence.

Linked Hypotheses (1)

Exosomal SNCA Propagation from Lysosome-Compromised Neurons Contains a Distinct SNCA0.78