Ogg1 null mice exhibit age-associated loss of the nigrostriatal pathway and increased sensitivity to MPTP

► Mice lacking the DNA repair enzyme Ogg1 present an age-dependent Parkinson Disease phenotype. ► Dopaminergic neurons in OGG1 KO mice have a higher susceptibility to the neurotoxin MPTP. ► Loss of dopamine neurons during aging is accompanied by the increased formation of ubiquitin positive inclusions. ► This reports supports the role of oxidative damage to DNA and the risk of Parkinson's disease.