Overview:

The Parkin protein is a component of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, which is responsible for targeting of proteins for degradation. Hereditary Parkinson’s disease is most commonly caused by mutations in the parkin gene. The disease is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of Lewy bodies in the substania nigra (1). Recent studies indicate that phosphorylation of Parkin at Ser101 and Ser378 might be important for regulating E3 ubiquitin ligase activity (2).

References:

1. Jenner P. et al: Oxidative stress as a cause of nigral cell death in Parkinson’s disease and incidental Lewy body disease. Ann Neurol. 32 Suppl: S82-7, 1992.

2. Yamamoto A. et al: Parkin phosphorylation and modulation of its E# ubiquitin ligase activity. J Biol Chem. 280(5):3390-9, 2005.