ABSTRACT Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorders and is characterized by behavioral dysfunction and the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. DJ-1, a causative gene product of a familial form of PD, PARK7, has multiple functions; i.e., oxidative stress sensor, fertility, molecular chaperone and transcriptional regulation. However, the relationship between DJ-1 and the onset of PD is not fully understood. This review describes current findings regarding the function of DJ-1 against oxidative stress-mediated disorders, such as PD and brain ischemia. In particular, we focus on the modification of DJ-1 protein, the distribution of DJ-1 protein in the brain, and the neuroprotective effects of DJ-1 protein. These findings suggest that DJ-1 may be an important therapeutic target in PD and for cytoprotective therapy in various oxidative-stress-mediated disorders.
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