title: Perspectives on mitochondrial uncoupling proteins-mediated neuroprotection.
abstract: The integrity of mitochondrial function is essential to cell life. It follows that disturbances of mitochondrial function will lead to disruption of cell function, expressed as disease or even death. Considering that neuronal uncoupling proteins (UCPs) decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at the expense of energy production, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms by which UCPs control the balance between the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ROS in the context of normal physiological activity and in pathological conditions. Here we review the current understanding of neuronal UCPs-mediated respiratory uncoupling process by performing a survey in their physiology and regulation. The latest findings regarding neuronal UCPs physiological roles and their involvement and interest as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in brain diseases will also be exploited.
authors.affiliation: CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cardoso
authors.forename: Sónia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Correia
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.forename: Emanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Candeias
authors.forename: Ana I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Plácido
authors.forename: Ana I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Duarte
authors.forename: Raquel M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Seiça
authors.forename: Paula I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Moreira
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D000071256:Uncoupling Protein 1
chemical_list: D007473:Ion Channels; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D000071256:Uncoupling Protein 1; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate