UCP2 also known as mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 is a 33 kD member of the mitochondrial anion carrier protein family. This protein is expressed in the mitochondria and is highly expressed in brain, kidney, liver, brown adipose tissue, heart, and muscle tisuue. UCP2 facilitates transfer of anions from the inner to the outer mitochondrial membrane and the return of protons from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane. This reduces mitochondrial membrane potential and induces mitochondrial "leak" in which oxidative phosphorylation is separated from ATP synthesis with energy dissipated as heat. UPC2 function has been linked to obesity and hyperinsulinemia and has been shown to be decreased by glucose and leptin in human islet cells. UCP2 has also been shown to interact with 14-3-3 beta and gamma isoforms. The Poly6159 antibody recognizes the N-terminal region of the human UCP2 protein and has been shown to be useful for Western blotting.