A method of selecting an agent comprising a neuroprotecting activity is disclosed. The method comprises:(a) introducing a plurality of agents into a plurality of cells and(b) analyzing Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 (VMAT2) transcription in the cells and(c) identifying an agent of the plurality of agents capable of up-regulating DJ-1-dependent VMAT2 transcription in the cells, thereby selecting the agent comprising the neuroprotectingactivity.
