Comment to Shinohara et al. (1991) FEBS Letters 293, 173-174. The uncoupling protein is not expressed in rat liver

FEBS Lett. 1992 May 25;303(1):103-6; discussion 107. doi: 10.1016/0014-5793(92)80496-4.

Abstract

Using Northern blot analysis, immunoblotting with purified antibodies and Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis, we were unable to detect the Uncoupling Protein-UCP or its mRNA in liver of control, cold-exposed or newborn rats. The unique expression of this protein in brown adipocytes was confirmed. These data refute the surprising recent report on UCP expression in rat liver (Shinohara (1991) FEBS Lett. 293, 173-174). Moreover we report that the hybridization signal obtained by these authors is probably non-specific and due to the 3' non-coding domain of the UCP cDNA probe.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Blotting, Western
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA Probes
  • Ion Channels
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mitochondria, Liver / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Tissue Distribution
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Uncoupling Protein 1

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • DNA Probes
  • Ion Channels
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Uncoupling Protein 1
  • DNA