Non‐amyloid component of senile plaques found in AD. Could act as a regulator of SNCA aggregation process. Protects neurons from staurosporine and 6‐hydroxy dopamine (6OHDA)‐stimulated caspase activation in a p53/TP53‐dependent manner. Contributes to restoring the SNCA anti‐apoptotic function abolished by 6 OHDA. The gene discussed is SNCA; the disease is Alzheimer disease.