Among them, the most common mutations are in PRKN (previously known as PARK2), followed by PINK1,44 and DJ-1,45 accounting for about 18%, 15% and 0.2% of early onset PD respectively.46, 47, 48, 49 Deletions and mutations in PRKN gene are associated with degeneration of pigmented neurons in the substantia nigra, similar to that seen in PD, but without Lewy bodies on brain autopsy.50 This evidence concerns the gene PINK1 and Parkinson disease.