# PINK1 regulates cytoplasmic dynein and mitochondrial transport

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2021 · $45,016

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD)/Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) is the second most common chronic,
neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra,
often with extension of pathology into the cortex. The pathogenic mechanism underlying this degeneration
remains poorly understood, though analysis of gene products mutated in familial parkinsonisms has
contributed to our understanding of PD/PDD pathogenesis. One of these PD-associated gene products, PTEN
induced kinase 1 (PINK1), has been shown to prevent cell death induced by parkinsonian injury. However, the
mechanisms underlying this protection remain poorly understood. My preliminary data indicate that PINK1
regulates mitochondrial egress from the soma into the dendrites. I have also found that PINK1 regulates
phosphorylation of cytoplasmic dynein. These discoveries have led me to hypothesize that PINK1 promotes
mitochondrial transport into dendrites by regulating phosphorylation of dynein. I will use advanced microscopic,
biochemical, and molecular techniques to determine whether the novel PINK1 regulated phosphorylation of
dynein regulates its effects on mitochondrial transport. I will also study the impact of PD-linked PINK1
mutations on dynein phosphorylation and mitochondrial transport. In addition to providing me with predoctoral
training, this research proposal will help elucidate mechanisms by which PINK1 regulates mitochondrial
distribution in neurons and provide insight into mechanisms underlying PD/PDD pathogenesis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10053682
- **Project number:** 5F31NS108504-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Peter Anthony Otero
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $45,016
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-11-01 → 2021-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10053682

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10053682, PINK1 regulates cytoplasmic dynein and mitochondrial transport (5F31NS108504-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10053682. Licensed CC0.

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