Dynamin-related protein 1 expression as a non-invasive biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease

Background. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss. Mitochondria-mediated mechanisms – including excessive fission, impaired fusion, defective mitophagy, and oxidative stress – contribute to its pathogenesis. However, the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and PD progression remains poorly defined. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), a master regulator of mitochondrial fission, is implicated in neurodegeneration. This study assessed whether peripheral blood Drp1 gene expression reflects mitochondrial dysfunction in PD and may serve as a non-invasive biomarker. Materials and methods. Drp1 gene expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR in peripheral blood samples from 25 PD patients and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Results. Drp1 expression was significantly upregulated in PD patients, suggesting heightened mitochondrial fission. ROC curve analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94, indicating strong diagnostic potential. Stratified analysis showed that patients aged ≥60 years had significantly higher Drp1 levels than younger patients, with a stratified AUC of 0.89. No significant sex-based differences were observed. Conclusion. These findings support the role of altered mitochondrial dynamics in PD and suggest that peripheral Drp1 expression may offer diagnostic value, particularly when stratified by age. Targeting mitochondrial dynamics may enable precision therapies to mitigate neurodegeneration. By identifying a potential non-invasive biomarker, this study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms of PD and informs future therapeutic development.