TSPO, a Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Protein, Controls Ethanol-Related Behaviors in Drosophila

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005366
• Publication Date: 2015-08-04T18:18:27Z
• Authors: Ran Lin; Danielle Rittenhouse; Katelyn Sweeney; Prasanth Potluri; Douglas C. Wallace
• Keywords: Translocator protein

The heavy consumption of ethanol can lead to alcohol use disorders (AUDs) which impact patients, their families, and societies. Yet the genetic physiological factors that predispose humans AUDs remain unclear. One hypothesis is alterations in mitochondrial function modulate neuronal sensitivity exposure. Using Drosophila genetics we report inactivation outer membrane translocator protein 18kDa (TSPO), also known as peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, affects sedation tolerance male flies. Knockdown dTSPO adult neurons results increased sedation, this effect requires depletion-mediated increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production inhibition caspase activity fly heads. Systemic loss flies blocks development repeated exposures, an not seen when only inactivated neurons. Female are naturally more sensitive than males, female heads have strikingly lower levels mRNA males. Hence, TSPO plays important role tolerance. Since a large array analogues been developed interact with might provide new target for treating AUDs.