PINK1 is a mitochondrial serine/threonine-protein kinase that protects cells from stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. PINK1 is further transferred into the inner membrane. The gene of PINK1 maps to chromosome 1p36.12. Two alternatively spliced variants exist, the shorter isoform produced by alternative splicing. Mutations in the PINK1 gene cause autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson's disease.
