A critical mechanistic synthesis of PINK1-mediated mitophagy signaling and its therapeutic targeting in Parkinson's disease neurodegeneration.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with loss of dopaminergic neurons, mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of cellular homeostasis. PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) plays a crucial role in mitochondrial quality control by regulating mitophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, and calcium signaling to maintain neuronal bioenergetic homeostasis. This review critically evaluates the molecular pathways underlying PINK1-mediated mitochondrial integrity and the mechanisms by which loss-of-function mutations contribute to the pathogenesis of PD. Familial early-onset PD is strongly associated with pathogenic PINK1 mutations identified through genetic studies. Therapeutic approaches targeting the PINK1 pathway are examined, including adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene delivery, direct small-molecule PINK1 activation (MTK458), and indirect modulation of mitophagy and mitochondrial homeostasis by compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, cannabidiol, gastrodin, and quercetin. Moreover, the complementary restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis through the modulation of downstream targets, such as transcription factor EB (TFEB) activation and BCL2-interacting protein 3-like (BNIP3L/NIX)-mediated mitophagy, is discussed as an indirect therapeutic strategy. Another important finding is that PD is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous disease that requires biomarker-directed and genotype-stratified therapeutic development. Finally, major translational issues are critically evaluated, including challenges related to blood-brain barrier penetration, target specificity, and long-term safety of mitochondrial modulators.