Topic: mitochondrial inner membrane

Metabolic insufficiency has been identified as a key factor underpinning the degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons during the course of Parkinson’s disease. Our studies suggest that a specific interaction of Parkinson’s protein, DJ-1 (Park7) with the mitochondrial F1Fo ATP synthase is required for stability of the mitochondrial inner membrane, which is required for neuronal and synaptic bioenergetic efficiency. To determine whether this molecular mechanism contributes to the vulnerability in Parkinson’s disease, we examined the interaction between the two molecules in different dopamin

Uncoupling proteins (UCP) act as transporters in the mitochondrial inner membrane, regulating the discharge of the proton gradient generated by the respiratory chain. Within this family, UCP2 emerges as a multifaceted player in the central nervous system, influencing processes like cellular stress, cell proliferation, and neuroprotection. As UCP2 is co-expressed with oxytocin and vasopressin, the well-known social hormones.Our aim was to explore the role of UCP2 in social behaviour comparing wild-type (WT) and UCP2 knockout (KO) rats using social discrimination test. As possible background mec