Page data last changed: . Chemistry registry snapshot: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
A 40-residue member of the corticotropin-releasing factor family that tunes the stress response.
Also known as: UCN · UCN1 · urocortin 1
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Urocortin is a 40-amino-acid neuropeptide of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family. Binding both CRHR1 and CRHR2 receptors, it participates in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress response and modulates appetite, mood and cardiovascular function. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Encoded by the UCN gene (brain and peripheral tissues)
Primary research or clinical context: Stress-axis and cardiovascular physiology research
Family and receptors
Urocortin belongs to the CRF peptide family alongside CRF, urocortin II and urocortin III. Urocortin 1 binds both CRHR1 and CRHR2 with high affinity, whereas urocortins II and III favor CRHR2, giving the family layered control over the stress axis.
Physiological interest
As a regulator of the HPA axis, urocortin influences ACTH and corticosteroid release, feeding behavior and anxiety-related responses. Its cardiovascular actions, including vasodilation and effects on cardiac function, make it a target in stress and heart-related research.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Reference mass unavailable
Reference values are taken from the cited molecular record or curated profile. A database match is not independent laboratory verification; modifications, counter-ions, and formulations can change the measured mass.
- Molecular form
- Urocortin (source record; form not independently established)
- Species
- Not established by this molecular identity audit
- Termini (N / C)
- Not specified / Not specified
Average reference mass
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- IUPHAR/BPS source snapshot · 2026-09-08
- IUPHAR ligand: 929
Chemistry values: IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology · fetched 2026-09-08.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 13 registered studies with “Urocortin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07509827 | Evaluation of mHealth Intervention to Promote HIV Prevention and Overcome Stigma Among Transgender Women (EMPO | Not applicable | recruiting | 2026-04-03 |
| NCT03602391 | The Senior Companion Program Plus | Not applicable | completed | 2024-10-01 |
| NCT01096693 | Effects of Urocortins on Forearm Arterial Blood Flow in Healthy Volunteers (Protocol 2) | Not applicable | completed | 2024-05-02 |
| NCT05594810 | Tobacco Treatment Using EMDR (ToTEM) | Not applicable | terminated | 2024-04-02 |
| NCT05115552 | Comparison Between Urocortin 2 and Brain Type Natriuretic Peptide | — | unknown | 2021-11-10 |
| NCT03699046 | Evaluating the Effectiveness of Subchondroplasty for Treating Bone Marrow Lesions of the Knee | Not applicable | unknown | 2020-03-31 |
FAQ about Urocortin
What is Urocortin?+
Urocortin is a 40-amino-acid neuropeptide of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family. Binding both CRHR1 and CRHR2 receptors, it participates in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress response and modulates appetite, mood and cardiovascular function. This page is educational and not medical advice.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Urocortin?+
Canadian product status for Urocortin has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the typical length of Urocortin?+
Urocortin is commonly described as approximately 40 amino acids (Neuropeptide (CRF family)).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Fekete et al. (2011). Systemic urocortin 2, but not urocortin 1 or stressin 1-A, suppresses feeding via CRF2 receptors without malaise and stress. Br J Pharmacol
- 2.Ismail et al. (2023). Exploring the Role of Urocortin in Osteoporosis. Cureus
- 3.Pan et al. (2008). Urocortin and the brain. Prog Neurobiol
- 4.Pournajafi-Nazarloo et al. (2007). Modulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone type 2 receptor and urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 mRNA expression in the cardiovascular system of prairie voles following acute or chronic stress. Neuroendocrinology
- 5.Al-Omari et al. (2026). TRPA1 modulates urocortin 1 turnover in the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus in a CGRP-induced migraine model. Neuropharmacology
- 6.Balraj et al. (2023). Linking stress with urocortin in rats. Bioinformation
- 7.Tillinger et al. (2019). Stressors affect urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 gene expression in rat spleen: The role of glucocorticoids. J Neuroimmunol
- 8.Fabre et al. (2011). Differential gene expression in mutant mice overexpressing or deficient in the serotonin transporter: a focus on urocortin 1. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol
- 9.PMC — Urocortins in the mammalian endocrine system
- 10.Wikipedia — Urocortin