Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1)

Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), also known as thermogenin, is an integral membrane protein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane of brown adipose tissue. UCP1 plays a central role in non-shivering thermogenesis by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis, thereby dissipating energy as heat rather than storing it as chemical energy. It is being explored as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and metabolic disorders.

Other names

ThermogeninSolute Carrier Family 25 Member 7

Increases proton conductance across the inner mitochondrial membrane, uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis and dissipating energy as heat. Activated by long-chain fatty acids and inhibited by purine nucleotides.