Differential Regulation of Glial and Neuronal Functions by TSPO

Dear Colleagues,

It is becoming more and more understood that the translocator protein (TSPO) can be targeted to treat neurological disorders. From its mitochondrial location, TSPO appears to modulate the generation of various molecules, as well as their transport over the outer mitochondrial membrane. Via these molecules, including Ca++, ATP, ROS, cholesterol, tetrapyrroles, and cytochrome c, TSPO can regulate mitochondria to cell nucleus signaling and the mitochondrial apoptosis cascade. Thereby, TSPO regulates basic cellular functions, including metabolism, gene expression, and programmed cell death, as well as inflammation, immune responses, cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, differentiation, regeneration, etc. These are essential functions associated with various brain disorders and their healing. Numerous synthetic TSPO ligands have been developed and their effects on such functions have been tested. For example, TSPO ligands can modulate the cell death of astrocytes and neurons, as well as microglia activation. Thus, TSPO ligands can be designed to reduce damage due to brain injury and disease. Moreover, by the modulation of neuronal differentiation and regeneration, TSPO ligands are capable of promoting the repair of neuronal damage. Interestingly, synthetic and natural ligands bind to various sites on TSPO. Thus, it appears that TSPO ligands can be applied to treat various aspects of brain disorders.

Dr. Leo Veenman
Guest Editor

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