Overview

• The ACS Nano study provides the first direct, real‑time visualization of pore formation by α‑synuclein oligomers.
• Researchers observed a three‑step sequence: membrane attachment at curved regions, partial insertion, then pore creation with opening‑and‑closing behavior.
• Pores formed more readily in membranes resembling those of mitochondria, suggesting a potential link to early mitochondrial disruption in Parkinson’s.
• Nanobodies designed to bind oligomers were validated as selective detectors but did not block pore formation in the model system.
• All experiments used artificial vesicles rather than living cells, and the team identifies replication in biological tissue as the next priority.