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The loss of native function of the DJ-1 protein has been linked to the development of Parkinson's (PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Here we show that DJ-1 aggregates into β-sheet structured soluble and fibrillar aggregates in vitro under physiological conditions and that this process is promoted by the oxidation of its catalytic Cys106 residue. This aggregation resulted in the loss of its native biochemical glyoxalase function and in addition oxidized DJ-1 aggregates were observed to localize within Lewy bodies, neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in human PD and Alzheimer's (AD) patients' post-mortem brain tissue. These findings suggest that the aggregation of DJ-1 may be a critical player in the development of the pathology of PD and AD and demonstrate that loss of DJ-1 function can happen through DJ-1 aggregation. This could then contribute to AD and PD disease onset and progression.

In this chapter, corrosion protection performance of hybrid zinc-rich paints (ZRPs) formulated with zinc at 70 and 80 wt.%, and nano-size particulates at 3.21 and 1.75 wt.% contents is analyzed. The nano-size filler phase was composed of polypyrrole supported with either alumina or alumina/multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Durability of the coatings was tested with immersion and salt-spray chamber propagations. Protection mechanism of the hybrid ZRPs is discussed regarding structural and electrical properties of the particles and paint dispersions. Hybrid ZRPs indicate firm barrier nature, moderate inhibition, and restrained active galvanic function to steel substrates. Hindered mass transport and limited water uptake through the low porosity hybrid coatings combined with three-dimensional arrangement of nano-size particles at the statistical and kinetic percolation thresholds are key factors to provide well-balanced and highly efficient combined, complex protection to low carbon steel substrates. Nevertheless, incorporation of inhibitor particles results in completely different fundamental properties from those typical of traditional ZRPs.