The regulation and physiology of mitochondrial proton leak

Physiology (Bethesda). 2011 Jun;26(3):192-205. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00046.2010.

Abstract

Mitochondria couple respiration to ATP synthesis through an electrochemical proton gradient. Proton leak across the inner membrane allows adjustment of the coupling efficiency. The aim of this review is threefold: 1) introduce the unfamiliar reader to proton leak and its physiological significance, 2) review the role and regulation of uncoupling proteins, and 3) outline the prospects of proton leak as an avenue to treat obesity, diabetes, and age-related disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Aging / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / pharmacology
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Ion Channels / metabolism
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial* / drug effects
  • Mitochondria / drug effects
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / drug effects
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism
  • Proton-Motive Force
  • Uncoupling Protein 1
  • Uncoupling Protein 2
  • Uncoupling Protein 3

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Ion Channels
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Uncoupling Protein 1
  • Uncoupling Protein 2
  • Uncoupling Protein 3
  • Adenosine Triphosphate