Anti-UCP3 antibody [mAbcam61299]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

UCP3 also known as uncoupling protein 3 is a member of the mitochondrial transporter superfamily. It has a molecular mass of approximately 33 kDa. This protein is predominantly found in skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue where it resides in the inner membrane of mitochondria. UCP3 functions by facilitating the proton leak across the mitochondrial membrane decoupling oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis and therefore reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential.

Biological function summary

The function of UCP3 is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism. It modulates the production of heat by dissipating the proton gradient which otherwise drives ATP synthesis. This makes it an important actor in thermoregulation and metabolic efficiency. UCP3 forms part of a broader set of uncoupling proteins which include UCP1 and UCP2 each playing slightly different roles in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.

Pathways

UCP3 influences the energy balance within cells by integrating into metabolic processes like fatty acid oxidation and thermogenesis. It plays a role in the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathway. UCP3's activity in these pathways also links it to other proteins such as UCP1 which is important in brown fat for thermogenesis and it interacts indirectly with enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism.

Associated diseases and disorders

Researchers associate UCP3 with metabolic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Altered UCP3 expression can impact the efficiency of energy expenditure and thermoregulation potentially leading to these disorders. In the context of obesity and diabetes UCP3's interaction with other proteins like insulin-related signaling molecules highlights its indirect role in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism dysfunction.