A comparison of the mitochondrial DJ-1 levels in the TH+ neurons of nigrostriatal (SNpc-Put) and mesolimbic (VTA-NAc) DA neuron subcellular compartments also confirms this as there was no difference between the NAc and the Put or the somata and proximal neurites of SNpc versus VTA neurons in either control or PD groups (Fig. 5, C and D—data the same as Fig. 5, A and B, rearranged to allow for this comparison). Here, PARK7 is linked to Parkinson disease.