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.

在雄性C57Bl6/N小鼠特定神经元激活背景下，TSPO ligand-1基因诱导以提高表达量。且在生理及精神药理学条件下，神经元激活都会导致成年小鼠TSPO水平增加[2]。作为阿尔茨海默病中神经胶质细胞活动的唯一标记，TSPO ligand-1 能追踪不同神经细胞的形成[4]。在MA-10 Leydig细胞系中，TSPO ligand-1能够调节线粒体脂肪酸氧化(FAO)，从而影响线粒体能量稳态[3]。