title: Uncoupling proteins: molecular, functional, regulatory, physiological and pathological aspects.
abstract: Uncoupling proteins are a subfamily of the mitochondrial anion carrier family. They are widespread in the whole eukaryotic world with a few exceptions and present tissue specific isoforms in higher organisms. They mediate purine nucleotide-sensitive free fatty acid-activated proton inward flux through the inner mitochondrial membrane. This proton flux occurs at the expense of the proton motive force build up by the respiration and weakens the coupling between respiration and ATP synthesis. In this chapter we describe current and reliable knowledge of uncoupling proteins. A new methodology allowing study of their activity and regulation during phosphorylating respiration is described. It has entitled us to assert that all uncoupling proteins share common mechanisms of activation and regulation. This is of the utmost importance in order to understand the physiological roles of UCPs as well as their participation in pathological processes since every role of the UCPs in every cell is an integral part of their function and regulation. The central role of reduction level of ubiquinone in the control of their regulation is well-argued. Their potential and reliable roles in thermogenesis, reactive oxygen species prevention and energy flow are discussed as well as their role in some pathological disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Sciences, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium. F.Sluse@ulg.ac.be
authors.forename: Francis E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Sluse
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D006801:Humans; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species