Beta-synuclein is a non-amyloid component of senile plaques found in Alzheimer disease. It could act as a regulator of SNCA aggregation. It protects neurons from staurosporine and 6 hydroxy dopamine -stimulated capspase activation in a p53-dependent manner. It localises to the cytoplasm and it is predominantly expressed in the brain where it is most concentrated in presynaptic nerve terminals. This protein is phosphorylated. This protein is also associated with the disease Brain iron accumulation type 1 (NBIA1).