Figure 3.

The schema of UCP2 and STC1 functions in the intracellular ATP and ROS production. STC1 induces the upregulation of UCP2 in AECs and AMs, which induces uncoupling respiration even under aerobic conditions. Uncoupling respiration reduces the mitochondrial membrane potential and the production of ROS derived from mitochondria in cells. Uncoupling respiration also stimulates the anaerobic pathway production of ATP and the lipid utilization of mitochondria and maintains the total ATP production. Therefore, uncoupling respiration results in a reduction of oxidative stress and the survival of cells under harmful microenvironments.