Recombinant Human Translocator protein (TSPO), Truncated

Uniprot Id

P30536

Target Species

Human

Target Name

TSPO

Target Full Name

Translocator protein

Target Function

Can bind protoporphyrin IX and may play a role in the transport of porphyrins and heme. Promotes the transport of cholesterol across mitochondrial membranes and may play a role in lipid metabolism, but its precise physiological role is controversial. It is apparently not required for steroid hormone biosynthesis. Was initially identified as peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor; can also bind isoquinoline carboxamides.

Target Subcellular Location

Mitochondrion membrane; Multi-pass membrane protein.

Target Protein Families

TspO/BZRP family

Target Tissue Specificity

Found in many tissue types. Expressed at the highest levels under normal conditions in tissues that synthesize steroids.

Target Synonyms

TSPO; BZRP; MBR; Translocator protein; Mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor; PKBS; Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor; PBR

Target Background

Present mainly in the mitochondrial compartment of peripheral tissues, the protein encoded by this gene interacts with some benzodiazepines and has different affinities than its endogenous counterpart. The protein is a key factor in the flow of cholesterol into mitochondria to permit the initiation of steroid hormone synthesis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been reported; one of the variants lacks an internal exon and is considered non-coding, and the other variants encode the same protein.