title: Physiological functions of the mitochondrial uncoupling proteins UCP2 and UCP3.
abstract: Evidence for the physiological functions of UCP2 and UCP3 is critically reviewed. They do not mediate adaptive thermogenesis, but they may be significantly thermogenic under specific pharmacological conditions. There is strong evidence that the mild regulated uncoupling they cause attenuates mitochondrial ROS production, protects against cellular damage, and diminishes insulin secretion. Evidence that they export fatty acids physiologically is weak. UCP2 and UCP3 are important potential targets for treatment of aging, degenerative diseases, diabetes, and perhaps obesity.
authors.affiliation: MRC Dunn Human Nutrition Unit, Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom. martin.brand@mrc-dunn.cam.ac.uk
authors.forename: Martin D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Brand
authors.forename: Telma C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Esteves
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D000078790:Insulin Secretion; D007473:Ion Channels; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D022722:Thermogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D000071246:Uncoupling Protein 2; D000071247:Uncoupling Protein 3
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D005227:Fatty Acids; D007328:Insulin; D007473:Ion Channels; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; C000604389:UCP2 protein, human; C000604392:UCP3 protein, human; D000071246:Uncoupling Protein 2; D000071247:Uncoupling Protein 3