Translocator Protein-Mediated Stabilization of Mitochondrial Architecture during Inflammation Stress in Colonic Cells.

Unlabelled: Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract increasing the risk of cancer has been described to be linked to the high expression of the mitochondrial translocator protein (18 kDa; TSPO). Accordingly, TSPO drug ligands have been shown to regulate cytokine production and to improve tissue reconstruction. We used HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells to evaluate the role of TSPO and its drug ligands in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced inflammation.

Electron microscope tomography of native membranes.

Membrane proteins are often present in low amounts in cells. Their function can be modulated by interactions with other proteins. Moreover, these complexes can be transiently formed, thus making them difficult to be isolated and to be purified.

Overexpression of translocator protein in inflammatory bowel disease: potential diagnostic and treatment value.

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are chronic inflammatory disorders that increase the risk for colorectal cancer. The mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO) is a high-affinity drug- and cholesterol-binding protein expressed in the colon and its expression is increased in colon cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate TSPO expression in IBD biopsies and to establish an animal model of IBD to examine the role of TSPO.

Distribution, pharmacological characterization and function of the 18 kDa translocator protein in rat small intestine.

Background Information: The TSPO (18 kDa translocator protein) is a mitochondrial transmembrane protein involved in cholesterol transport in organs that synthesize steroids and bile salts. Different natural and synthetic high-affinity TSPO ligands have been characterized through their ability to stimulate cholesterol transport, but also to stimulate other physiological functions including cell proliferation, apoptosis and calcium-dependent transepithelial ion secretion. Here, we investigate the localization and functions of TSPO in the small intestine.

Characterization of a functional NTPDase in the endoplasmic reticulum of rat submandibular salivary gland.

Nucleotidase activity and Ca-uptake were characterized in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) enriched rat submandibular gland (SMG) microsomal preparations. (i) Ca-uptake had characteristics of an ER Ca-ATPase. (ii) Nucleotidase activity was equally stimulated by calcium, magnesium and manganese, but with different Km values.