UCP3
Function
Putative transmembrane transporter that plays a role in mitochondrial metabolism via an as yet unclear mechanism (PubMed:21775425, PubMed:36114012). Originally, this mitochondrial protein was thought to act as a proton transmembrane transporter from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the matrix, causing proton leaks through the inner mitochondrial membrane, thereby uncoupling mitochondrial membrane potential generation from ATP synthesis (PubMed:11171965, PubMed:12670931, PubMed:12734183, PubMed:9305858). However, this function is controversial and uncoupling may not be the function, or at least not the main function, but rather a consequence of more conventional metabolite transporter activity (PubMed:11707458).
Involvement in disease
Obesity
OBESITY
A condition characterized by an increase of body weight beyond the limitation of skeletal and physical requirements, as the result of excessive accumulation of body fat.
None
The gene represented in this entry may be involved in disease pathogenesis.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the mitochondrial carrier (TC 2.A.29) family.
Tissue Specificity
Only in skeletal muscle and heart (PubMed:9305858). Also expressed in white and brown adipose tissues (PubMed:9305858). Is more expressed in glycolytic than in oxidative skeletal muscles.
Cellular localization
- Mitochondrion inner membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
Alternative names
SLC25A9, UCP3, Putative mitochondrial transporter UCP3, Solute carrier family 25 member 9, Uncoupling protein-3, UCP 3