UCP3

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the UCP3 gene.

Function

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. Tissue specificity occurs for the different UCPs and the exact methods of how UCPs transfer H⁺/OH⁻ are not known.

Structure

UCPs contain the three homologous protein domains of MACPs.

Gene regulation

This gene has tissue-specific transcription initiation with other transcription initiation sites upstream of SM-1 (major skeletal muscle site). Chromosomal order is 5'-UCP3-UCP2-3'. Two splice variants have been found for this gene.

Disease association

Mutations in the UCP3 gene are associated with obesity.

Interactions

UCP3 has been shown to interact with YWHAQ.

See also

• Uncoupling protein