Hepatic loss-of-function phenotype in the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) also known as the mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO), knockout mice (TSPO-/- mice).
This study was intended to dissect the role of PBR/TSPO in hepatic metabolism. As it was determined that the purported role for PBR/TSPO in steroidogenesis was a misconception, the precise function and regulation of this therapeutic target remains a mystery. Via examining gene expression changes associated with PBR/TSPO deficiency in the liver, these results evaluate specific phenotypic perturbations linked to PBR/TSPO function. Overall design: Comparative gene expression profiling analysis of RNA-seq data from liver samples of Tspo fl/fl and Tspo -/- mice.