Aggregation and Propagation of α-Synuclein in Parkinson's Disease: A Bibliometric Perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the aggregation and propagation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn), processes that contribute to neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Although substantial progress has been made in understanding α-syn pathology, a comprehensive bibliometric evaluation of global trends in this field remains lacking. This study aims to systematically map the research landscape surrounding α-syn aggregation and propagation in PD, offering insights into its molecular mechanisms and clinical relevance. METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using data retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) spanning 2005 to 2024. The data were processed and analyzed with R-Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to quantify publication trends, international collaborations, influential authors and institutions, journal impact, and keyword co-occurrence networks. RESULTS: A total of 3220 relevant articles were identified. The number of annual publications steadily increased, reflecting growing scholarly interest. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom emerged as leading contributors. Robust international collaborations were observed, especially among Western countries, with the University of California System identified as the most prolific institution. Two primary thematic clusters were revealed: (1) "aggregation," focusing on the roles of "mitochondria" and "lysosomes," and (2) "propagation," highlighting the involvement of "exosomes" and "microglia." Emerging research frontiers included "biomarkers" and "neuroinflammation," with a recent trend shifting toward studies on the propagation of α-syn. CONCLUSION: This study underscores a paradigm shift in PD research from α-syn aggregation to propagation, emphasizing the significance of exosomes, microglia, and systemic inflammation in disease pathogenesis. These findings provide a comprehensive roadmap for future research, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.