Translocator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), formerly known as peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is an evolutionary well-conserved protein located on the outer mitochondrial membrane. TSPO is involved in a variety of fundamental physiological functions and cellular processes. Its expression levels are regulated under many pathological conditions, therefore, TSPO has been proposed as a tool for diagnostic imaging and an attractive therapeutic drug target in the nervous system. Several synthetic TSPO ligands have thus been explored as agonists and antagonists for innovative treatments as neuroprotective and regenerative agents. In this review, we provide state-of-the-art knowledge of TSPO functions in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Particular emphasis is placed on its contribution to important physiological functions such as mitochondrial homeostasis, energy metabolism and steroidogenesis. We also report how it is involved in neuroinflammation, brain injury and diseases of the nervous system.

中文翻译：

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线粒体转运蛋白 (TSPO)：神经系统中的关键多功能分子

转运蛋白（TSPO，18 kDa），以前称为外周苯二氮卓受体，是位于线粒体外膜上的进化保守蛋白。TSPO 参与多种基本生理功能和细胞过程。其表达水平在许多病理条件下受到调节，因此，已提出 TSPO 作为诊断成像的工具和神经系统中有吸引力的治疗药物靶标。因此，已经探索了几种合成的 TSPO 配体作为神经保护剂和再生剂的创新治疗的激动剂和拮抗剂。在这篇综述中，我们提供了大脑和周围神经系统中 TSPO 功能的最新知识。特别强调它对重要生理功能的贡献，例如线粒体稳态、能量代谢和类固醇生成。我们还报告了它如何参与神经炎症、脑损伤和神经系统疾病。