A multi-faceted genotoxic network of alpha-synuclein in the nucleus and mitochondria of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease: Emerging concepts and challenges

•This review outlines the complex and multi-faceted neurotoxic role of α-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease.•A particular emphasis is given to the emerging role of α-synuclein in promoting genome instability.•Pro-oxidant metal ions, together with reactive oxygen species, contributes to α- synuclein’s DNA binding and genotoxicity.•Chromatin-bound oxidized α-synuclein causes strand breaks in genome.•Identification of potential residues mediating α-synuclein-DNA binding by Protein-DNA docking.