Uncoupling protein 2 and metabolic diseases

•Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is one of the new players implied in mitochondrial associated metabolic disorders.•Why UCP2 might be special in these disorders are summarized.•How UCP2 contributes to cancer cell growth especially skin tumorigenesis, is largely discussed.

Mitochondria are fascinating organelles involved in various cellular-metabolic activities that are integral for mammalian development. Although they perform diverse, yet interconnected functions, mitochondria are remarkably regulated by complex signaling networks. Therefore, it is not surprising that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in plethora of diseases, including neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. One of the many factors that lead to mitochondrial-associated metabolic diseases is the uncoupling protein-2, a family of mitochondrial anion proteins present in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Since their discovery, uncoupling proteins have attracted considerable attention due to their involvement in mitochondrial-mediated oxidative stress and energy metabolism.This review attempts to provide a summary of recent developments in the field of uncoupling protein 2 relating to mitochondrial associated metabolic diseases.