PINK1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1) is a mitochondrial directed serine-threonine kinase, that regulates normal mitochondrial function and transport vital to normal performance of neurons and neuronal survival. PINK1 has been shown to be localized to the cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria. Some investigators have associated PINK1 localization to the intermembrane space, outer membrane insertion with a kinase domain facing towards the cytosol. Loss of PINK1 has been demonstrated to be accompanied with amplified oxidative stress and diminished membrane potential along with low levels of ATP.
Immunocytochemistry/Immunofluorescence: PINK1 Antibody
More recently, PINK1 has also been implicated in regulating mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis while mutations in PINK1 are known to cause autosomal recessive Parkinson’s disease. Studies carried out using cell imaging of both the mouse and human neurons have demonstrated that PINK1 regulates calcium efflux from mitochondria and deficiency of PINK1 leads to calcium overload and increased oxidation in the mitochondria and cytosol (1). There is a huge body of data to confirm that PINK1 functions to safeguard neurons against stress-induced cell death. PINK1 functions may vary contingent to mitochondrial and cellular signals, permitting PINK1 to act as a sensor to mitochondrial well-being. Further research and a better understanding of PINK1 functions may provide useful insights in to what may go wrong in Parkinson's and other neuronal diseases.
Novus Biologicals in the fore front specializing in PINK1 reagents including:
