Skip to main content

PBR

OverviewProducts

Developmental stage

In erythrocytes, expression levels decrease throughout differentiation (PubMed:27641616). Not expressed in mature erythrocytes (PubMed:27641616).

Function

Can bind protoporphyrin IX and may play a role in the transport of porphyrins and heme (By similarity). Promotes the transport of cholesterol across mitochondrial membranes and may play a role in lipid metabolism (PubMed:24814875), 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 (PubMed:1847678).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the TspO/BZRP family.

Tissue specificity

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

Cellular localization

  • Mitochondrion membrane
  • Multi-pass membrane protein

Alternative names

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

Database links

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Neuroscience

Other research areas

  • Cardiovascular

Molecular weight

0Da