Guwiyang Wurra–'Fire Mouse': a global gene knockout model for TSPO/PBR drug development, loss-of-function and mechanisms of compensation studies. (3rd August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Middleton, Ryan J.; Liu, Guo-Jun; Banati, Richard B.
• Is Part Of: Biochemical Society transactions. Volume 43:Number 4(2015)
• Page Start: 553
• Page End: 558
• Publication Date: 2015-08-03
• Subjects: compound development -- energy -- knockout -- metabolism -- mitochondria -- TSPO/PBR; Biochemistry -- Congresses; 572
• DOI: 10.1042/BST20150039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-5127

Abstract

Abstract : The highly conserved 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) or peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), is being investigated as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for disease conditions ranging from inflammation to neurodegeneration and behavioural illnesses. Many functions have been attributed to TSPO/PBR including a role in the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), steroidogenesis and energy metabolism. In this review, we detail the recent developments in determining the physiological role of TSPO/PBR, specifically based on data obtained from the recently generated Tspo knockout mouse models. In addition to defining the role of TSPO/PBR, we also describe the value of Tspo knockout mice in determining the selectivity, specificity and presence of any off-target effects of TSPO/PBR ligands.