GMR regulatory sequences drive expression of Pink1 carrying both the D479A mutation that results in a kinase-dead form and the phosphomimetic mutation S346D (mutated residue is a conserved autophosphorylation site which appears to be the sole autophosphorylation site in Pink1). In addition, the N-terminal 93 amino acids of Pink1 have been replaced with the Tag:Mito(Tom20) outer mitochondrial membrane anchor signal and the protein is tagged with GFP.
Co-expression of parkGMR.T:Zzzz\FLAG with Pink1S346D.KD.GMR.T:Mito-Tom20,T:Avic\GFP) has no effect on the eye appearance and the flies display no loss of photoreceptors as they age.
The reduced climbing ability, abnormal swollen mitochondria, disorganized muscle fibres as well as the decreased number of brain dopaminergic neurons characteristic for Pink1B9 adults is rescued by combination with Pink1S346D.KD.GMR.T:Mito-Tom20,T:Avic\GFP.