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Mutations in the DJ-1 gene associated with autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism
Vincenzo Bonifati1, Patrizia Rizzu, Marijke J van Baren
1Genetic-Epidemiologic Unit, Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Post Office Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, Netherlands. bonifati@kgen.fgg.eur.nl
Abstract:
The DJ-1 gene encodes a ubiquitous, highly conserved protein. Here, we show that DJ-1 mutations are associated with PARK7, a monogenic form of human parkinsonism. The function of the DJ-1 protein remains unknown, but evidence suggests its involvement in the oxidative stress response. Our findings indicate that loss of DJ-1 function leads to neurodegeneration. Elucidating the physiological role of DJ-1 protein may promote understanding of the mechanisms of brain neuronal maintenance and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
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