UCP

UCP is an acronym that can refer to several distinct concepts across different domains, including biology, international trade, and nonprofit organizations.

In physiology, UCP denotes the uncoupling protein family, mitochondrial inner membrane transporters that dissipate the proton gradient to generate heat instead of ATP. The best-known member, UCP1, drives non-shivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. UCP2 and UCP3 are more widely expressed and are studied for roles in energy metabolism and regulation of reactive oxygen species, with functions that vary by tissue and context.

In international trade, UCP stands for Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, a set of rules issued by the International Chamber of Commerce that governs letters of credit and related documentary credits in cross-border transactions. UCP 600 is the current widely used version, designed to standardize practice and reduce payment risk.

United Cerebral Palsy, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, advocates for and serves people with disabilities through programs, services, and policy efforts.

The acronym UCP thus has multiple, distinct meanings; context determines which meaning applies.