Uncoupling FT Protein Transport from its Function

Uncoupling protein, H+ transport and regulation.

The biochemical functions of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are discussed with the view of UCP1 as a paradigm. In contrast with UCP1, the heterologous expression of UCP3 in yeast is found to result primarily in extra-mitochondrial deposits and thus is unsuitable for studying UCP3 function. On expression in Escherichia coli inclusion bodies, UCPs extracted and incorporated into vesicles showed no H(...

Uncoupling protein 2 and islet function.

Stressors such as chronic hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia may lead to insufficient insulin secretion in susceptible individuals, contributing to type 2 diabetes. The molecules mediating this effect are just beginning to be identified. Uncoupling protein (UCP)-2 may be one such negative modulator of insulin secretion. Accumulating evidence shows that beta-cell UCP2 expression is upregulated by g...

The Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein, PML, and Its Biological Function

Uncoupling protein-2 promotes nigrostriatal dopamine neuronal function.

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is known to promote neuroprotection in many forms of neurological pathologies including Parkinson's disease. Here, we examined the hypothesis that UCP2 also mediates aspects of normal nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) function. Mice lacking UCP2 exhibited reduced dopamine turnover in the striatum as measured by the 3,4-dihydoxyphenylacetic acid/dopamine (DOPAC/DA) ratio, r...

Uncoupling protein 2 has protective function during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a member of the mitochondrial transporter superfamily that is expressed in many tissues, including immune cells. UCP2 prevents oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species. Using UCP2-deficient mice, it was shown that UCP2 is involved in the regulation of insulin secretion, in the resistance to infection, and in atherosclerosis. Here, we investigated the r...