The involvement of the anti-oxidant protein DJ-1 in SOD1 maturation pathway: implications for neurobehavioral deficits in Drosophila Melanogaster

The Parkinson's disease associated protein DJ-1 is as a multitasking protein with anti-oxidant activity. Indeed, DJ-1 has been shown to modulate signaling pathways involved in anti-oxidant defense. Nevertheless, no consensus has been found on its effective cellular function. Our group has demonstrated, in vitro, that DJ-1 can induce the activation of SOD1, the first line of defense against reactive oxygen species. SOD1 and DJ-1 are known to play an important role against oxidative stress. Although SOD1 activation normally relies on a dedicated copper chaperone, it has been shown to be partially activated also through an alternative pathway, to which DJ-1 may participate. To better clarify this mechanism in vivo we utilize Drosophila Melanogaster as model organism, which possesses homologue pathways for anti-oxidant responses. For this study, we are evaluating the behavioral traits of wild-type and mutant flies under normal conditions and under mild oxidative insults, assessing lifespan and complex locomotor features. Although DJ-1 loss does not affect fly lifespan under normal conditions, its absence compromises survival under paraquat exposure. Therefore, our work aims to elucidate the anti-oxidant role of DJ-1, focusing on its participation to SOD1 activation.