Uncoupling proteins: A role in protection against reactive oxygen species—or not?

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta 2006-05, Vol.1757 (5), p.449-458
• Main Authors: Cannon, Barbara, Shabalina, Irina G., Kramarova, Tatiana V., Petrovic, Natasa, Nedergaard, Jan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aldehydes - metabolism; Aldehydes - pharmacology; Animals; Carrier Proteins - antagonists & inhibitors; Carrier Proteins - physiology; Humans; Ion Channels; Membrane Proteins - antagonists & inhibitors; Membrane Proteins - physiology; Membrane Transport Proteins - physiology; Mitochondrial Proteins - antagonists & inhibitors; Mitochondrial Proteins - physiology; Oxidative Stress; Purine Nucleotides - metabolism; Purine Nucleotides - pharmacology; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; Superoxides - metabolism; Superoxides - pharmacology; Uncoupling Protein 1; Uncoupling Protein 2; Uncoupling Protein 3
• ISSN: 0005-2728; 0006-3002; 1879-2650
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2006.05.016

A physiological function of the original uncoupling protein, UCP1, is well established: UCP1 is the molecular background for nonshivering thermogenesis. The functions of the “novel” UCPs, UCP2 and UCP3, are still not established. Recent discussions imply that all UCPs may play a role in protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we examine critically the evidence that UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3 are stimulated by ROS (superoxide) or ROS products (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal), and that the UCPs actually diminish oxidative damage. We conclude that, concerning UCP1, it is unlikely that it has such a role; concerning UCP2/UCP3, most evidence for physiologically significant roles in this respect is still circumstantial.