Mutations in the gene encoding the F-box domain–containing protein Fbxo7 are genetically associated to an autosomal recessive form of early-onset Parkinson's disease of similar severity to those caused by Parkinson's disease–linked mutations in the genes for the mitochondrial kinase PINK1 or the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin. Burchell et al. show that Fbxo7 acts in a common cellular and molecular pathway with Parkin and PINK1 in autophagic clearance of mitochondria in response to mitochondrial depolarization and damage.
- Victoria S Burchell
- David E Nelson
- Helene Plun-Favreau
