Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: Pathogenesis and Neuroprotection

Figure 2

The physiological association of parkin and PINK1 proteins in mitophagy. (1) Genetic mutations or the introduction of toxins lead to various impairments, including depletion of ATP production at the electron transfer chain. A buildup of ROS leads to a more acidic environment within the mitochondrion, as well as inducing a decrease in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential after the opening of permeability transition pores. This is the signal for mitophagy to occur. (2) The process is induced through the interaction of cytosolic parkin with mitochondria-associated PINK1. PINK1 acts as the biochemical signal for parkin to identify damaged mitochondria. (3) Parkin then mediates the lysosomal degradation of the dysfunctional organelle.