We show that failure of VMAT-containing synaptic vesicle release to nerve terminals is an early pathogenic manifestation, and the formation of neurofibrillary tangle-like pathology in the soma of DA neurons is a late-stage of tauopathy, providing pathological evidence for why MAPT may be a strong risk factor for idiopathic PD. The gene discussed is MAPT; the disease is tauopathy.