TSPO ligand-1 has affinity for peripheral and central benzodiazepine receptors.TSPO ligand-1 is an AUTAC4-binding protein in the transmembrane domain of the outer mitochondrial membrane, which induces mitochondrial autophagy and promotes intracellular mitochondrial regeneration.TSPO ligand-1 is involved in intracellular cholesterol transport, and can be used as a biomarker for brain injury and neurodegeneration. TSPO ligand-1 is involved in intracellular cholesterol transport and can be used as a biomarker for brain damage and neurodegeneration.

In the context of selective activation of neurons in male C57Bl6/N mice, the TSPO ligand-1 gene is induced to increase expression. Additionally, under both physiological and psychopharmacological conditions, neuronal activation leads to increased TSPO levels in adult mice[2].
As the sole marker of glial cell activity in Alzheimer’s disease, TSPO ligand-1 can track the formation of different neural cells[4].
In the MA-10 Leydig cell line, TSPO ligand-1 can regulate mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and thus affects mitochondrial energy homeostasis[3].