UTS2 Full Name
urotensin 2
UTS2 Introduction
UTS2 codes for urotensin II, a cyclic neuropeptide which was first discovered in fish and later found to be well conserved in mammalian species including human. It is translated from mRNA as a larger precursor protein (prepro-urotensin II) and then processed into the mature biologically active peptide. Urotensin II is widely expressed in several tissues with high levels in the vascular endothelium, cardiac tissue, kidneys and some areas of the central nervous system. It has been well established in peer reviewed research to be one of the most powerful endogenous vasoconstrictors identified to date, with potency greater than other vasoconstrictors like endothelin-1 in certain vascular beds. Its receptor, UT (GPR14), mediates diverse physiological responses supported by extensive experimental evidence.
Figure 1.Urotensin II, besides exerting a direct vasoconstrictor effect, enhances the expression of renin in juxtaglomerular (JG) cells and the expression of aldosterone synthase in the adrenocortical zona glomerulosa.(Source: Caroccia B, et al.; 2017)
Urotensin II is a modulator of vascular tone, inotropic state, renal hemodynamics and neuroendocrine function. Tissue- and receptor-dependent, it can cause potent vasoconstriction, but may also induce vasodilation, likely via nitric oxide–dependent pathways. UTS2 signaling is associated with smooth muscle cell proliferation, oxidative stress and fibrotic response and may be therefore involved in long-term vascular remodeling. Urotensin II has also been shown to regulate hormone secretion, inflammatory cytokine expression and metabolism.
Dysregulation of UTS2 expression or activity has been associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases. Elevated levels of urotensin II have been found in a number of disease states that are associated with pathologic vasoconstriction and remodeling, including hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension and diabetic nephropathy. Enhanced UTS2 activity is also associated with liver fibrosis, metabolic syndrome and certain neurological disorders. UTS2 is a strong drug target because it has been linked to diseases in humans with validated biomarker measurements as well as functional studies. Therapeutically altering the urotensin II–UT receptor axis is a particularly active area of research, with aims of affecting cardiovascular dysfunction, renal damage and fibrotic disease.
Alternate Names for UTS2
UTS2
urotensin 2
UII
U-II
UCN2
PRO1068
urotensin-2
prepro U-II
urotensin II
