PINK1 and Parkin (PRKN) proteins are both involved in mitochondrial quality control, and loss-of-function mutations causing familial forms of PD with earlier onset of symptoms compared to sporadic Parkinson’s disease. This study aims to profile PRKN and PINK1 gene and protein expression, PRKN translation, and pS65-Ub levels in vivo in a cell type-focused manner, including phenotypic characterization of the brain cells to address current key knowledge gaps of expression patterns for
PRKN and PINK1.

The research team hopes to improve their comprehensive understanding of PRKN/PINK1 function, and to better define the appropriate brain cell types for assessment of novel PRKN/PINK1 animal models and therapeutics.