Mouse Uncoupling Protein 1, Mitochondrial (UCP1) ELISA Kit-Sandwich

Mitochondrial brown fat uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is a mitochondrial transporter that acts as a symporter for long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) and protons, simultaneously transporting one LCFA and one proton across the inner mitochondrial membrane. With LCFAs staying associated with the transporter via their hydrophobic tails, this process leads to the apparent transport of protons activated by LCFAs. Consequently, UCP1 dissipates the mitochondrial proton gradient, converting the energy from substrate oxidation into heat instead of ATP. In mice, UCP1 plays critical roles in maintaining body temperature, regulating energy metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity, and potentially exerting anti-inflammatory effects. It is highly expressed in the brown adipose tissue of mice and is the primary driver of non-shivering thermogenesis. Mice lacking UCP1 (UCP1-KO) show significant metabolic defects, such as increased sensitivity to cold, weight gain, and fat accumulation. This is because, without UCP1, brown adipose tissue cannot effectively produce heat, making it unable to maintain core body temperature.