Scientists Uncover Structure of Key Protein Linked to Parkinson’s Disease

The discovery of PINK1's structure opens new possibilities for drug development to slow or halt Parkinson’s progression.

Researchers at Australia's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) have visualized the structure of the PINK1 protein for the first time, solving a decades-long mystery.
PINK1 plays a critical role in identifying and removing damaged mitochondria, a process that malfunctions in patients with Parkinson’s disease due to mutations in the protein.
This breakthrough offers new insights into how PINK1 attaches to mitochondria and signals for cellular recycling, paving the way for targeted drug development.
Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative condition globally, affects over 10 million people and is associated with over 40 symptoms, including tremors and cognitive impairment.
The findings, published in *Science*, are being hailed as a significant step toward creating treatments that could slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease.