DJ-1 also possesses metal-binding properties, which are lost when DJ-1 is mutated, thus underlining the importance of DJ-1 to protecting against the toxicity of heavy metals, such as copper and mercury [77], since the chronic exposure to these metals is linked to PD and contributes to its progression inducing neuronal loss through neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis [78]. This evidence concerns the gene PARK7 and Parkinson disease.