Translocator Protein

The translocator protein (TSPO), previously known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor or PBR, is an 18 KDa protein that is ubiquitously expressed and localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotes, but its function remains obscure.

Products
Background
Literature (1)
Gene Data

Ligands

Cat. No. Product Name / Activity
5281 AC 5216
Selective TSPO ligand
3113 Etifoxine hydrochloride
Ligand of the translocator protein (TSPO); also GABAA receptor potentiator

Other

Cat. No. Product Name / Activity
7699 AUTAC4
Mitochondrial targeting AUTAC Degrader; binds translocator protein and induces mitophagy
0658 FGIN-1-27
Potent, specific ligand for mitochondrial DBI receptor

Related Targets

    The translocator protein (TSPO), previously known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor or PBR, is an 18 KDa protein that is ubiquitously expressed and localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotes. It was first identified in 1977 as a secondary binding site for benzodiazepines, but its function remains obscure. Crystal and NMR structures have revealed that the protein has some characteristics of both a transporter and a G-protein coupled receptor. Cholesterol, porphyrins and the naturally occurring polypeptide diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) have been proposed as endogenous ligands for the protein.

    TSPO has a role in the stress response, being induced by a diverse range of environmental stress conditions across many species, including inflammation and cancer in animals. Expression of TSPO is upregulated in the mitochondria of microglial cells when activated in response to inflammatory stimuli, so TSPO ligands have been proposed as imaging agents for neuroinflammatory conditions, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, as well as brain tumors. The protein also appears to be involved in steroidogenesis, as TSPO ligands promote steroid formation in adrenal, gonad, brain, placenta and liver tissues. Studies have additionally suggested a role for TSPO in the formation and function of adipocytes, so it is a potential target for therapy in type 2 diabetes and obesity.

    External sources of pharmacological information for Translocator Protein :

      Literature for Translocator Protein

      Tocris offers the following scientific literature for Translocator Protein to showcase our products. We invite you to request* your copy today!

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      Translocator Protein Gene Data

      Gene Species Gene Symbol Gene Accession No. Protein Accession No.
      Translocator Protein (TSPO) Human TSPO NM_007311 B1AH88
      Mouse Tspo NM_009775 P50637
      Rat Tspo NM_012515 P16257