Redox-sensitive DJ-1 protein: an insight into physiological roles, secretion, and therapeutic target

Abstract

The highly conserved DJ-1 protein fundamentally acts as a redox sensor conferring antioxidative cytoprotection under oxidative insults. DJ-1 preferentially undergoes oxidation at 106 cysteine residue (C106) under oxidative stress. Although initially identified as an oncogene, emerging evidence suggests the essential roles of DJ-1 in modulating numerous physiological processes involved in cellular growth, development, survival, and death. Compromised DJ-1 expression and function directly or indirectly trigger signaling cascades leading to pathophysiological conditions including neurodegeneration, cancer, stroke, and inflammatory diseases. Besides the intracellular functions, enhanced DJ-1 secretion into the extracellular fluid, including cerebrospinal fluid and blood, is related to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and cancer pathogenesis. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding DJ-1’s roles as a ubiquitous cytoprotective protein controlling numerous signaling pathways, secretion, and therapeutic potentials.