The demonstration that αSyn contains a cryptic mitochondrial targeting sequence, engages canonical protein-import machinery, and is detectable in IMM/matrix fractions makes it plausible that a subset of αSyn reaches the same compartment as ClpP and directly perturbs intramitochondrial proteostasis, consistent with our data that αSyn–ClpP interaction drives oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in PD-relevant neurons. This evidence concerns the gene CLPP and Parkinson disease.