The role of the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) on the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

• Published in: Arquivos brasileiros de endocrinologia e metabologia Vol. 56; no. 4; pp. 215 - 225
• Main Authors: Brondani, Letícia de Almeida, Assmann, Taís Silveira, Duarte, Guilherme Coutinho Kullmann, Gross, Jorge Luiz, Canani, Luís Henrique, Crispim, Daisy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Brazil Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia 01.06.2012
• Subjects: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - genetics; ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Ion Channels - genetics; Ion Channels - physiology; Mitochondrial Proteins - genetics; Mitochondrial Proteins - physiology; Obesity - genetics; Polymorphism, Genetic; Uncoupling Protein 1; DNA polymorphisms; brown adipose tissue; tecido adiposo marrom; UCP1; type 2 diabetes mellitus; polimorfismos de DNA; obesity; obesidade; diabetes melito tipo 2
• ISSN: 0004-2730; 1677-9487; 1677-9487; 0004-2730
• DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302012000400001

It is well established that genetic factors play an important role in the development of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and obesity, and that genetically susceptible subjects can develop these metabolic diseases after being exposed to environmental risk factors. Therefore, great efforts have been made to identify genes associated with DM2 and/or obesity. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is mainly expressed in brown adipose tissue, and acts in thermogenesis, regulation of energy expenditure, and protection against oxidative stress. All these mechanisms are associated with the pathogenesis of DM2 and obesity. Hence, UCP1 is a candidate gene for the development of these disorders. Indeed, several studies have reported that polymorphisms -3826A/G, -1766A/G and -112A/C in the promoter region, Ala64Thr in exon 2 and Met299Leu in exon 5 of UCP1 gene are possibly associated with obesity and/or DM2. However, results are still controversial in different populations. Thus, the aim of this study was to review the role of UCP1 in the development of these metabolic diseases.