Nuclear localization of the 20S proteasome subunit in Parkinson's disease

Considering the involvement of ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) in Parkinson's disease (PD), the aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of proteasomes in PD brains. Immunohistochemical studies showed localization of 20S proteasome in the nuclei of neurons of the putamen and substantia nigra of PD. In contrast, no nuclear staining was observed in the same areas of brains of controls. Our results suggest that nuclear localization of 20S proteasome seems to be associated with the pathogenesis of PD.