The Mitochondrial 18 kDa Translocator Protein as a Biomarker of Radiation-Induced Neuroinflammatory

Abstract

The review presents current knowledge about the structure of the18 kDa translocator protein TSPO, its polymorphic variants, regulation of its gene expression and function in the cells of CNS. Particular attention is paid to its role in mitochondrial homeostasis in microglia under neuroinflammation in the long-term period after ionizing radiation exposure. Data on the effectiveness of several TSPO ligands for diagnostic imaging and treatment of neuroinflammation for restoring cognitive functions in neurodegenerative pathologies are summarized. Based on the TSPO level in the brain and in the peripheral blood cells late after irradiation, TSPO is discussed as a potential marker of neuroinflammation development.