The translocator protein as a potential molecular target for improved treatment efficacy in photodynamic therapy.

Abstract

Abstract: Since it’s serendipitous discovery by researchers over thirty years ago, the translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) has been demonstrated to play an important role in a multitude of critical biological processes. Although implemented as a novel therapeutic and diagnostic tool for a variety of disease states, its most promising role is as a molecular target for anti-cancer treatments such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). This review gives an overview of the attempts made by researchers to design porphyrin based photosensitizers for use as anti-cancer therapeutics in PDT as well as improved imaging agents for diagnostic purposes. With a better understanding of the structure and function of the TSPO, the synthesis of porphyrins for use in PDT with optimum binding affinities will become ever more possible.