Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins in mammals and plants

Citation
J. Borecky et al., Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins in mammals and plants, BIOSCI REP, 21(2), 2001, pp. 201-212
Citations number
74
Categorie Soggetti
Cell & Developmental Biology
Journal title
BIOSCIENCE REPORTS
ISSN journal
01448463 → ACNP
Volume
21
Issue
2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
201 - 212
Database
ISI
SICI code
0144-8463(200104)21:2<201:MUPIMA>2.0.ZU;2-L
Abstract
Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) belong to a distinct cluster of the mitochondria l anion carrier family. Up to five different uncoupling protein types were found in mitochondria of mammals and plants, and recently in fishes, fungi and protozoa. They exhibit a significantly conserved structure with several motifs specific to either the whole cluster or protein type. Uncoupling pr oteins, as well as the whole mitochondrial anion carrier gene family, proba bly emerged in evolution before the separation of animal, fungi, and plant kingdoms and originate from an anion/nucleotide or anion/anion transporter ancestor. Mammalian UCP1. UCP2, UCP3, and plant uncoupling proteins pUCP1 a nd pUCP2 are similar and seem to form one subgroup, whereas UCP4 and BMCP1 belong to a different group. Molecular, biochemical, and phylogenic data su ggest that UCP2 could be considered as an UCP-prototype. UCP1 plays its bio logical role mainly in the non-shivering thermogenesis while the role of th e other types is unknown. However, hypotheses have suggested that they are involved in the general balance of basic energy expenditure, protection fro m reactive oxygen species, and, in plants, in fruit ripening and seed ontog eny.