Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Mutations in the gene encoding parkin (PARK2) result in familial early onset forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) based on the loss of parkin’s E3 ubiquitin ligase function. Protein misfolding is a common molecular feature of most neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. To test whether parkin misfolding also plays a role in the more common spontaneous PD, we established and functionally characterized a parkin yeast model. We found that oxidative and protein folding stress, parkin point mutations and truncations, and parkin’s interaction with the PD-associated kinase PINK1 profoundly alter parkin’s subcellular localization and toxicity. Notably, these conditions also induce parkin fragmentation, degradation, and potentially misfolding, all of which may contribute to PD pathogenesis. Future research presents great potential to establish parkin misfolding as a promising new therapeutic target for PD.
Author: Alexander S McCarton
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2466378244