BAG1 restores DJ-1 chaperone function and dimerisation

DJ-1 (PARK7) is the encoded protein from one of the four chromosomal loci associated with autosomal recessive, early onset parkinsonism. While evidence from genetic and biochemical studies in murine and human cell lines indicates a role for DJ-1 as an antioxidant forming a homodimer, the function of DJ-1 still remains controversial. In our study, we demonstrate a protein interaction by co-immunoprecipitation between DJ-1 and BAG1 (Bcl-2-associated athanogene-1), which was found to be a regulator of Hsp70/Hsc70 family molecular chaperones inducing foldase activity in neurons. Moreover, we show that DJ-1/BAG1 prot…