The Function of Uncoupling Proteins in Various Tissues

A cell requires energy to do its work. Mitochondria are the energy-producing machines of the cell. Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) located in the inner mitochondrial membrane cause a proton leak from the intermembrane space to the matrix. Clearly، the changes in the proton gradient across the inner membrane affect ATP production. In this paper، the role of these proteins in different tissues as well as peripheral and central nervous tissues has been reviewed. This study has reviewed 63 publications explaining the various functions of UCPs in different tissues using PubMed، Elsevier، NCBI and EBSCO databases. Several studies have shown that UCPs، based on the type of tissue، change the cell activity. Studies related to UCPs roles in the nervous system are mostly restricted to the in-vitro situations; thus more investigation seems to be needed to reveal the UCPs actions in the in-vivo conditions of physiologic and pathologic studies. These studies potentially can open some new therapeutic strategies and hopes to cure neurodegenerative diseases.