Glycation Produces Topologically Different α-Synuclein Oligomeric Strains and Modulates Microglia Response via the NLRP3-Inflammasome Pathway

α-Synuclein, a key player in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies, possesses an inherently disordered structure that allows for versatile structural changes during aggregation. Microglia, the brain immune cells, respond differently to various α-synuclein strains, influencing their activation and release of harmful molecules, leading to neuronal death. Post-translational modifications, such as glycation in α-synuclein, add a layer of complexity to microglial activation. This study aimed to explore the impact of glycation on α-synuclein aggregation and microglial responses, which have not been studied before. Biophysical analyses revealed that glycated α-synuclein oligomers had distinct morphologies with a more negative and hydrophobic surface, preventing fibril formation and interfering with membrane interactions. Notably, there was increased cytosolic Ca