Molecular Medicine Reports · 2 authors, 1 centre
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This narrative review summarizes preclinical evidence that the translocator protein (TSPO) and its ligands are involved in ocular diseases like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, with potential modulatory roles in inflammation and oxidative stress.
TSPO is a mitochondrial protein involved in processes like steroidogenesis and mitochondrial permeability. The review describes its expression in various ocular tissues and summarizes preclinical evidence for its role in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal ischemia, and glaucoma. The authors conclude that TSPO and its ligands show both protective and aggravating effects in disease models, primarily through anti-inflammatory actions, reduction of reactive oxygen species, and regulation of microglial activation. The review highlights TSPO as a potential therapeutic target but notes significant gaps, including the lack of knowledge about TSPO's role in healthy ocular tissues and the limited evaluation of ligand safety in the eye.
