Translocator Protein (None)

Translocator protein (TSPO), an 18 kDa transmembrane protein primarily localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane, plays a critical role in cholesterol transport into mitochondria for steroid hormone synthesis, as well as in apoptosis regulation, mitochondrial respiration, and other cellular processes. It is widely expressed throughout the body and is implicated in various diseases, including neuroinflammation, cancer, endocrine disorders, and psychiatric conditions. Its accessibility to small-molecule ligands makes it a potential biomarker for disease imaging and a therapeutic target.

Other names

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR)

Ligand binding modulates cholesterol transport into mitochondria and affects steroid hormone synthesis; influences apoptosis via mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening; interacts with other proteins to modulate diverse cellular processes.