Deciphering Uncoupling Proteins in Cellular Homeostasis and Metabolic Health.
Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are transmembrane proteins located in the inner membrane of mitochondria. They can reduce the efficiency of ATP synthesis and promote heat production by mediating the uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation process. Different subtypes of UCPs have distinct tissue distributions and functional characteristics, involving various biological processes including temperature regulation, energy balance, signal transduction, oxidative stress, and the inflammatory response. In recent years, many studies have shown the potential value of UCPs in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and tumors. Importantly, multiple evidence reveals that innovative therapies targeting uncoupling proteins will show broad application prospects in the future. This review of recent research on UCPs aims to provide a direction for exploring the molecular mechanisms of cellular homeostasis and intervention strategies for metabolic diseases.