SNCA and Parkinson disease: PINK1 prevents cell death induced by the parkinsonian neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine29 or apoptotic inducers in cell cultures.30 Similarly, overexpression of PINK1 ameliorates the lifespan and mobility of Drosophila expressing the PD-related gene, α-synuclein, in dopamine neurons.31 Mitochondrial stress mechanisms are not restricted to PD but are common to other neurodegenerative diseases.