Tom almog/UCP1

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Function

Both types of thermogenic adipocytes (BAT as well as beige) can increase energy expenditure through the uncoupling of oxidative metabolism from ATP synthesis, releasing energy as heat. This property is conferred by the presence of a unique protein, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), also known as thermogenin. In most cells lacking UCP1, proton gradient that has been generated via the electron transport chain can only be dissipated through ATP formation by complex V (ATP synthase). UCP1 is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and catalyzes a proton leak across the inner membrane. As a result of this process, fuel oxidation in brown adipocytes becomes uncoupled from ATP synthesis, and energy is dissipated as heat. Mature brown adipocytes have multilocular appearance, due to the fact that they contain numerous small lipid droplets (LDs), surrounded by a large number of mitochondria. BAT is characterized by rich blood and nerve supply. The adaptive thermogenic response of BAT, driven by the sympathetic nervous system; norepinephrine (NE) released by sympathetic nerves act on β-adrenergic receptors, initiates signaling cascades for triglycerides hydrolysis (via activation of hormone sensitive lipase). The released fatty acids from LDs activate UCP1, and are oxidized to serve as an energy source of thermogenesis

Disease

Relevance

Structural highlights

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