UNCOUPLING PROTEINS - BEYOND BROWN ADIPOSE-TISSUE

Uncoupling protein, originally described in the inner mitochondrial me mbrane of brown adipose tissue, permits the oxidation of fuels without the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Closely related prote ins have now been found in many other tissues and shown to be regulate d by thyroid hormones and dietary factors. These uncoupling proteins m ay play a significant role in energy expenditure, with implications fo r the development of human obesity.