MJFF 12751.02

The absence of the parkin protein causes the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD) usually before the age of 40. Despite the gene’s discovery in 1998, little is known about how it protects dopaminergic neurons, which are progressively impaired as PD develops. Antibodies against parkin are used to study how the protein protects dopaminergic neurons, that are susceptible to dopamine-induced oxidative stress. Specifically, the aim is to determine whether parkin is located within a human brain-specific site: a black pigment known as neuromelanin, which accumulates in neurons with aging, and represents a final deposit of dopamine byproducts. A better understanding of mechanisms leading to PD will allow the identification of antioxidant therapy, specifically for parkin-deficient subjects but also for individuals with sporadic PD, which could help to preserve the integrity of at-risk neurons as the PD unfolds.