The Role of Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy in Cardiovascular Diseases

Parkin is a protein encoded by the PARK2 gene, whose mutations were first found in patients with Parkinson's disease. Recent studies reveal that Parkin plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in addition to its contribution in neurological and malignant diseases. The abnormalities of mitochondrial functions and structures play crucial role in the development of many pathological disorders, including CVD. Parkin is a vital component of mitophagy process, in which the damaged mitochondria is selectively removed to maintain the cellular homeostasis. This article summarizes the latest current updates of researches related to Parkin-mediated mitophagy and its functions in CVD. This would improve our understanding about the development of CVD and provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of CVD.