Park7/DJ-1: Proteins and Enzymes

Park7, also known as DJ-1, is a cytoplasmic protein that belongs to the ThiJ/Pfp1/DJ-1 superfamily of highly conserved proteins that function as protein chaperones, catalases, proteases and kinases. Park7 is widely expressed in the brain as well as in peripheral tissues. It exists as a homodimer that can be localized in the cytoplasm, nucleus and mitochondria. Park7 is a redox-sensitive protein that has been ascribed various functions including that as a redox sensor and antioxidant protein. Mutations in Park7 are associated with a small percentage of hereditary early onset Parkinson's disease.