Parkin

Parkin is an E3 ubiquitin ligase encoded by the PARK2 gene, comprising 465 amino acids and containing an N‑terminal ubiquitin‑like domain and C‑terminal RING domains. It plays a pivotal role in the ubiquitin–proteasome system, tagging damaged or misfolded proteins for degradation. Parkin is essential for mitophagy, the selective clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis. Mutations in PARK2 cause autosomal recessive juvenile Parkinson’s disease, leading to dopaminergic neuron loss. Beyond neuroprotection, Parkin influences apoptosis regulation and cellular stress responses. Its dysfunction is linked to mitochondrial impairment, protein aggregation, and neurodegeneration, making it a key target in Parkinson’s disease research