The gene codes for a protein they identified and named, parkin. Parkin, like the related protein, ubiquitin, is a scavenger-protein. Parkin, like ubiquitin, accumulates in Lewy bodies in YOPD and adult-onset PD patients. Alpha-synuclein, unlike parkin and ubiquitin, isn't a scavenger. Alpha-synuclein's final destination is the synaptic vesicles, granular particles that store chemicals.
Dopamine is stored on synaptic vesicles.
The accumulation occurs in Lewy bodies and is associated with deposits of parkin and ubiquitin. Duvoisin and Golbe. Alpha-synuclein and ubiquitin also accumulate on the plaques that occur in Alzheimer disease. DRD manifests itself before age 10 years. DRD is being recognized more frequently.