解偶联蛋白与神经系统疾病的研究进展

Advances in research on uncoupling proteins and nervous system disease

解偶联蛋白(uncoupling protein,UCP)是一类位于线粒体内膜上的载体,属于线粒体载体蛋白超家族。UCP1主要存在于棕色脂肪组织中,由UCP1介导的线粒体的解偶联通常与适应性产热有密切关系。近年来的研究表明某些解偶联蛋白,如UCP2、UCP4和UCP5也选择性地存在于神经元中,与UCP1不同的是,这些蛋白对热量的生成没有决定性的作用,但是可以被自由基和游离脂肪酸活化,极大地影响神经元的功能。位于神经元上的解偶联蛋白能够调节线粒体的数量、ATP产量、钙摄入和自由基生成,从而直接影响神经传递。因此,对解偶联蛋白的调节和功能研究给神经系统疾病的研究提供了新的前景。

Uncoupling proteins （UCPs） are a family of mitochondrial anion-carrier proteins located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. UCP1 is expressed primarily in brown fat cells, which is classically associated with non-shivering thermogenesis. Recent evidence indicates that UCP family proteins are also present in selected neurons, such as UCP2, UCP4, UCPS/BM- CP1. Unlike UCPI, these proteins are not crucial for heat production, but they can be activated by free radicals and free fatty acids, and their activities have a profound influence on neuron function. Neuronal UCPs can directly influence neurotransmission by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, calcium flux and free radical production. The study of regulation and function of these proteins will offer a better understanding of nervous system disease.