PINK1 gene mutation: How it causes Parkinson’s Disease

A team of researchers from the University of Melbourne, Australia, has determined how the mutation of a key protein expressed by PINK1 leads to Parkinson’s disease. The study delineates what human PINK1 looks like and how its malfunctioning leads to neuronal cell death, serving as a significant step in understanding the cause of this neurodegenerative disease. 

PINK1 and its role in protecting mitochondria 

The protein expressed by PINK1 (Official Full Name: PTEN induced kinase 1) helps protect mitochondria by detecting the damage in the “powerhouse of the cell” by attaching itself to the mitochondrial surface. Once attached and activated, PINK1 marks the protein ubiquitin and initiates a “clean-up” to prevent the damaged mitochondria from turning toxic. If not cleaned, this mitochondrial toxicity can be particularly harmful to brain cells as they require energy in abundance. The toxins from mitochondria result in the death of neuronal cells in the brain, which causes Parkinson’s disease. 

Deeper understanding of human PINK1 

Because they can be produced in large amounts, insect PINK1 has been used thus far to study how this key protein protects mitochondria. However, Dr. Sylvie Callegari and her research team used cryo-electron microscopy and substantial amounts of cells to visualize how human PINK1 attaches to the mitochondrial surface. 

This provides clarity on four major functions of PINK1: 

If PINK1 malfunctions, this entire process leading to the elimination of damaged mitochondria is affected, which in turn leads to Parkinson’s disease. 

Potential for future investigation on improved treatment methods 

Dr. Callegari and her team believe that the visualization of PINK1 can help test drugs that can be used to make this protein more active. Although some drugs are in pipeline, testing them was a challenge because of the lack of visualization of their interaction with PINK1.  

Further research on designing new drugs for increasing the activity of PINK1 is also being planned. This promising study can even contribute to the development of enhanced interventions and treatment methods that can help tackle the early onset of Parkinson’s disease.