Translocator Protein (18kDa, TSPO) is a mitochondria outer membrane transmembrane protein and which expression is elevated during inflammation and injury. However, the exact function of TSPO is still controversial. Here, we constructed TSPO global knockout (KO) mice by Cre-LoxP system independently, which abolished TSPO protein expression in all tissues and shown normal phenotypes. The birth rate of TSPO heterozygote (Het)/Het breeding was consistent with the Mendels Law, suggesting a normal viability of TSPO KO mice at birth. RNAseq analysis showed no significant difference in the gene expression profile of lung tissues from TSPO KO mice compared with that of wild type mice, even the genes associated with bronchial alveoli immune homeostasis. The alveolar macrophage population was also not affected by TSPO deletion in the physiological condition. Our findings contradicts the results of Papadopoulos, but confirmed Selvarajs findings. This study reveals TSPO deficiency does not affect the viability and bronchial alveoli immune homeostasis. SOURCE: Jianmin Zhang (jzhang42@163.com) - Jianmin Zhang Peking Union Medical College

Pluto Bioinformatics

GSE84942: Global Deletion of TSPO Does Not Affect the Viability and Gene Expression Profile.