UCP3

Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP) are members of the larger family of mitochondrial anion carrier proteins (MACP). UCPs separate oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis with energy dissipated as heat, also referred to as the mitochondrial proton leak. UCPs facilitate the transfer of anions from the inner to the outer mitochondrial membrane and the return transfer of protons from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane. They also reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential in mammalian cells. The different UCPs have tissue-specific expression; this gene is primarily expressed in skeletal muscle. This gene's protein product is postulated to protect mitochondria against lipid-induced oxidative stress. Expression levels of this gene increase when fatty acid supplies to mitochondria exceed their oxidation capacity and the protein enables the export of fatty acids from mitochondria. UCPs contain the three solcar protein domains typically found in MACPs. Two splice variants have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Nov 2008]

Full Name

Uncoupling Protein 3

Function

UCP are mitochondrial transporter proteins that create proton leaks across the inner mitochondrial membrane, thus uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. As a result, energy is dissipated in the form of heat. May play a role in the modulation of tissue respiratory control. Participates in thermogenesis and energy balance.

Biological Process

Biological Process adaptive thermogenesis Source:GO_Central1 Publication
Biological Process aging Source:Ensembl
Biological Process cellular response to hormone stimulus Source:Ensembl
Biological Process fatty acid metabolic process Source:Ensembl
Biological Process lipid metabolic process Source:ProtInc1 Publication
Biological Process mitochondrial transmembrane transport Source:GO_Central1 Publication
Biological Process mitochondrial transport Source:InterPro
Biological Process proton transmembrane transport Source:ProtInc1 Publication
Biological Process respiratory gaseous exchange by respiratory system Source:ProtInc1 Publication
Biological Process response to activity Source:Ensembl
Biological Process response to cold Source:GO_Central1 Publication
Biological Process response to glucocorticoid Source:Ensembl
Biological Process response to hypoxia Source:Ensembl
Biological Process response to insulin Source:Ensembl
Biological Process response to nutrient Source:Ensembl
Biological Process response to superoxide Source:Ensembl

Cellular Location

Mitochondrion inner membrane

Involvement in disease

Obesity (OBESITY):
A condition characterized by an increase of body weight beyond the limitation of skeletal and physical requirements, as the result of excessive accumulation of body fat.