Minireview: translocator protein (TSPO) and steroidogenesis: a reappraisal

Molecular Endocrinology
Vimal SelvarajLan N Tu

Abstract

The 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), also known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is a transmembrane protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane. TSPO has long been described as being indispensable for mitochondrial cholesterol import that is essential for steroid hormone production. In contrast to this initial proposition, recent experiments reexamining TSPO function have demonstrated that it is not involved in steroidogenesis. This fundamental change has forced a reexamination of the functional interpretations made for TSPO that broadly impacts both basic and clinical research across multiple fields. In this minireview, we recapitulate the key studies from 25 years of TSPO research and concurrently examine their limitations that perhaps led towards the incorrect association of TSPO and steroid hormone production. Although this shift in understanding raises new questions regarding the molecular function of TSPO, these recent developments are poised to have a significant positive impact for research progress in steroid endocrinology.

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Citations

Apr 14, 2016·Biochemistry·Fei LiShelagh Ferguson-Miller
Jun 28, 2016·Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology·Walter L Miller
Jul 17, 2016·The Journal of Endocrinology·Vimal Selvaraj, Lan N Tu
Mar 13, 2018·Toxicological Sciences : an Official Journal of the Society of Toxicology·Kellie A FayGerald T Ankley
Jan 10, 2018·Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience·Sandra ZárateRicardo Gredilla
May 15, 2018·Endocrinology·Vimal Selvaraj, Douglas M Stocco
Jun 14, 2018·PloS One·Elisabeth Graeber, Volodymyr M Korkhov
May 3, 2018·Biology of Reproduction·Vimal SelvarajBarbara J Clark
May 19, 2019·Journal of Neuroendocrinology·Silvia GiattiRoberto Cosimo Melcangi
Dec 3, 2015·The Journal of Biological Chemistry·Amy H ZhaoVimal Selvaraj
Sep 26, 2020·CNS Drugs·Ayushi Anna DineshAnthony C Vernon
Mar 12, 2017·Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports·Martin Schain, William Charles Kreisl
Sep 24, 2020·Molecules : a Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry·Zeineb Si ChaibGiulia Rossetti
Nov 10, 2015·Biochemical Society Transactions·Andrew MidzakVassilios Papadopoulos
Aug 10, 2017·Frontiers in Endocrinology·Melinda A Mittelman-SmithPaul E Micevych
Aug 15, 2020·Frontiers in Endocrinology·Vimal SelvarajDouglas M Stocco
Jun 20, 2019·Biochemistry. Biokhimii︠a︡·K V Tugaeva, N N Sluchanko
Aug 8, 2020·Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology·Nimai C Chandra
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Jul 30, 2021·The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry : the Official Journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry·Rainer RupprechtGerhard Rammes

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