The possible proton translocating activity of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein of brown adipose tissue: Reconstitution studies in liposomes

Abstract Loose coupling of thermogenic mitochondira of brown adipose tissue is related to a high proton (or hydroxyl) conductance of the inner membrane and to the presence of a unique 32 kDa uncoupling protein. Reconstitution experiments of the purified protein in liposomes are reported which suggest that this component could form proton channels in the membrane.