This review discusses the role of DJ-1/PARK7 in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). DJ-1, encoded by the PARK7 gene, is a multifunctional protein involved in neuroprotection, mitochondrial homeostasis, and regulation of oxidative stress. Mutations in DJ-1 cause autosomal recessive early-onset PD, while oxidized DJ-1 is found in idiopathic PD. DJ-1 functions as an antioxidant and is involved in various neuroprotective mechanisms, including mitochondrial function, apoptosis regulation, and dopamine homeostasis. It also plays a role in chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) and the degradation of monomeric α-synuclein. DJ-1 interacts with other proteins such as PINK1 and Parkin in mitochondrial quality control processes. It also modulates inflammatory responses and apoptosis by regulating transcription factors like p53 and Bcl-XL. DJ-1 is involved in the regulation of dopamine synthesis and reuptake, contributing to dopamine homeostasis. DJ-1 is proposed as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for PD, with oxidized DJ-1 being a potential indicator of disease progression. The study highlights the importance of DJ-1 in maintaining cellular health and preventing PD progression through its various functions.This review discusses the role of DJ-1/PARK7 in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). DJ-1, encoded by the PARK7 gene, is a multifunctional protein involved in neuroprotection, mitochondrial homeostasis, and regulation of oxidative stress. Mutations in DJ-1 cause autosomal recessive early-onset PD, while oxidized DJ-1 is found in idiopathic PD. DJ-1 functions as an antioxidant and is involved in various neuroprotective mechanisms, including mitochondrial function, apoptosis regulation, and dopamine homeostasis. It also plays a role in chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) and the degradation of monomeric α-synuclein. DJ-1 interacts with other proteins such as PINK1 and Parkin in mitochondrial quality control processes. It also modulates inflammatory responses and apoptosis by regulating transcription factors like p53 and Bcl-XL. DJ-1 is involved in the regulation of dopamine synthesis and reuptake, contributing to dopamine homeostasis. DJ-1 is proposed as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for PD, with oxidized DJ-1 being a potential indicator of disease progression. The study highlights the importance of DJ-1 in maintaining cellular health and preventing PD progression through its various functions.