Characterization of PINK1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1) mutations associated with parkinson disease in mammalian cells and drosophila

Abstract

Background: Mutations in PINK1 cause recessive Parkinson disease. Results: PINK1 mutations in the kinase domain hamper Parkin translocation to mitochondria, and their analogous mutations in Drosophila cannot rescue PINK1-null phenotypes. Conclusion: PINK1 kinase activity is essential for its function and for regulating Parkin functions in mitochondria. Significance: Understanding the roles of PINK1 mutations will be helpful for deciphering the pathogenic mechanism of PINK1-linked Parkinson disease. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.