PINK1 and Parkinson disease: Similarly, in case of PD, scientists have focused on the function of Parkin and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), two proteins mutated in familial, early-onset Parkinson's disease and recommended drugs for therapies that boost mitophagy or stimulate activity of Parkin/PINK1 (Narendra and Youle, 2011).