Related Experiment Videos
Recombinant human uncoupling protein-3 increases thermogenesis in yeast cells
W Hinz1, B Faller, S Grüninger
1Department of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.
FEBS Letters
|April 27, 1999
Summary
Human uncoupling protein-3 (hUCP3L) exhibits intrinsic thermogenic properties. Expressing hUCP3L in yeast cells reduced growth and mitochondrial potential, while increasing heat production, confirming its role in thermogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Mitochondrial Physiology
- Thermogenesis Research
Background:
- Human uncoupling protein-3 (hUCP3L) shares homology with thermogenin (UCPI).
- hUCP3L is primarily expressed in skeletal muscle, a key thermogenic tissue.
- Its function is hypothesized to involve regulating oxidative phosphorylation coupling and thermogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional relevance and intrinsic thermogenic properties of hUCP3L.
- To characterize the effects of hUCP3L expression in a cellular model.
Main Methods:
- Expression of hUCP3L in yeast cells using a galactose promoter.
- Measurement of cellular growth and mitochondrial membrane potential.
- Assessment of cellular respiration coupling to oxidative phosphorylation.
- Direct microcalorimetry to quantify cellular heat production.
Main Results:
- hUCP3L expression led to diminished cellular growth and mitochondrial membrane potential.
- The portion of cellular respiration coupled to oxidative phosphorylation significantly decreased (57% to 11%).
- Cellular heat production increased by 33.3% (P<0.001) upon hUCP3L induction.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates the intrinsic thermogenic properties of hUCP3L in intact cells for the first time.
- hUCP3L actively uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, leading to increased heat production.
- These findings support the role of hUCP3L in skeletal muscle thermogenesis.