Editorial [Hot Topic: The Physiology and Pharmacology of the Mitochondrial 18 kDa Translocator Protein (TSPO): An Emerging Molecular Target for Diagnosis and Therapy (Guest Editor: Michelangelo Campanella)]

The need for a focused issue covering the physiology and pharmacology of the Translocator Protein (TSPO) was in demand for quite some time; this to both summarize the current knowledge on this fascinating molecule and to boost interest in experimental biologists, pharmacologists and clinicians. The leading and most representative experts on the subject have therefore contributed with enthusiasm to its realization thus generating a memorable editorial occasion that besides collecting the exploited features of TSPO also shares original data to inspire future research angles of investigation. TSPO -formerly known as the Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor (PBR)- is an ubiquitous 18 kDa molecule on which the synthesis of steroids depends. Located on the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), it is critical for the modulation of mitochondrial pathophysiology by standing -and possibly interacting with- the ‘putative’ molecules composing the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.....