UCP are mitochondrial transporter proteins that create proton leaks across the inner mitochondrial membrane, thus uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis. As a result, energy is dissipated in the form of heat. May play a role in thermoregulatory heat production and metabolism in brain. Found in adult and fetal brain. Present in most of the brain tissues, with low levels in spinal chord, corpus callosum and substantia nigra. Belongs to the mitochondrial carrier (TC 2.A.29) family.