Psmf1, also known as PI31, encodes the proteasome regulator PSMF1/PI31, a highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed partner of the 20S proteasome and neurodegeneration-associated F-box-O 7 and valosin-containing proteins. It is involved in regulating proteasome activity, and is associated with pathways related to protein turnover and quality control, which are crucial for cell homeostasis [2,3]. Dysfunction of Psmf1 may be related to various diseases including neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathy, and cancer [2]. Genetic models such as Drosophila with psmf1 knockdown and Psmf1 conditional knockout (CKO) mouse models are valuable for studying its function [1].

In Psmf1 CKO mouse models, age-dependent motor impairment was observed, along with diffuse gliosis. In addition, studies on patient-derived fibroblasts with Psmf1 variants showed impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential, dynamics, and mitophagy. These findings from model-based research link defective Psmf1 to early-onset Parkinson's disease (PD) and neurodegeneration, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction as a contributing mechanism [1].

In conclusion, Psmf1 plays a vital role in regulating proteasome activity and is involved in maintaining cell homeostasis. The Psmf1 CKO mouse model has been instrumental in revealing its role in early-onset PD and neurodegeneration, highlighting the significance of Psmf1 in these disease areas.