Translocator protein (TSPO 18kDa) is expressed by neural stem and neuronal precursor cells

Translocator protein 18kDa, the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor by its earlier name, is a mitochondrial membrane protein associated with the mitochondrial permeability pore. While the function of the protein is not properly understood, it is known to play roles in necrotic and apoptotic processes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neuroscience letters 2009-09, Vol.462 (3), p.257-262
Main Authors: Varga, Balázs, Markó, Károly, Hádinger, Nóra, Jelitai, Márta, Demeter, Kornél, Tihanyi, Károly, Vas, Ádám, Madarász, Emília
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Animals, Newborn
Biological and medical sciences
Brain - cytology
Cell Differentiation
Cells, Cultured
Embryo, Mammalian - cytology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Mice
Neural Plate - cytology
Neuronal differentiation
Neurons - cytology
Neurons - metabolism
Peripheral benzodiazepine binding
Receptors, GABA - biosynthesis
Receptors, GABA - genetics
RNA, Messenger - biosynthesis
Stem Cells - cytology
Stem Cells - metabolism
Translocator protein (18 kDa)
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
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Summary:Translocator protein 18kDa, the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor by its earlier name, is a mitochondrial membrane protein associated with the mitochondrial permeability pore. While the function of the protein is not properly understood, it is known to play roles in necrotic and apoptotic processes of the neural tissue. In the healthy adult brain, TSPO expression is restricted to glial cells. In developing or damaged neural regions, however, TSPO appears in differentiating/regenerating neurons. Using immunocytochemical, molecular biological and cell biological techniques, we demonstrate that TSPO mRNA and protein, while missing from mature neurons, are present in neural stem cells and also in postmitotic neuronal precursors. Investigating some distinct stages of in vitro differentiation of NE-4C neural stem cells, TSPO 18kDa was found to be repressed in a relatively late phase of neuron formation, when mature neuron-specific features appear. This timing indicates that mitochondria in fully developed neurons display specific characteristics and provides an additional marker for characterising neuronal differentiation.
ISSN:0304-3940
1872-7972
DOI:10.1016/j.neulet.2009.06.051