Research overview
The text below is the source article’s original abstract under a verified reuse license. cc by
We report the crystal structure at 1.8-A resolution of human DJ-1, which has been linked to early onset Parkinson's disease. The monomer of DJ-1 contains the alpha/beta-fold that is conserved among members of the DJ-1/ThiJ/PfpI superfamily. However, the structure also contains an extra helix at the C terminus, which mediates a novel mode of dimerization for the DJ-1 proteins. A putative active site has been identified near the dimer interface, and the residues Cys-106, His-126, and Glu-18 may play important roles in the catalysis by this protein. Studies with the disease-causing L166P mutant suggest that the mutation has disrupted the C-terminal region and the dimerization of the protein. The DJ-1 proteins may function only as dimers. The Lys to Arg mutation at residue 130, the site of sumoylation of DJ-1, has minimal impact on the structure of the protein.
Scientific assessment
Research question
Assess the question within the original study’s scope.
Methods & sample
Check the source article for study design and sample details.
Key findings
An editorially approved findings summary is not yet published for this record.
Limitations
Generalizability, bias and clinical meaning require separate assessment.
Methods, samples and clinical conclusions are not inferred from bibliographic metadata.