DJ-1 gene encodes a highly-conserved protein which is implicated in a number of cell processes. DJ-1 also positively regulates the androgen receptor (AR) by forming a complex with PIASxα, a negative regulator of AR. The gene encoding human DJ-1 maps to chromosome 1p36.23, a region identified as a hot spot of chromosome abnormalities in several tumor cells. Subsequently, mutations in the DJ-1 gene have been implicated in Parkinson’s disease, and loss of DJ-1 function leads to neurodegeneration.
