Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is mainly expressed in brown adipose tissue, and acts in thermogenesis, regulation of energy expenditure, and protection against oxidative stress. Despite being a member of the family of mitochondrial anion carriers, UCP1 is a H(+) carrier activated by long-chain fatty acids []. It is activated by fatty acids and inhibited by purine nucleotides []. UCP1 catalyzes proton leakage across the mitochondrial inner membrane to disengage substrate oxidation from ATP production. It is a candidate gene for the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus [].
