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.
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.
Is Urocortin an approved medicine?+
Urocortin is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Stress-axis and cardiovascular physiology research. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Urocortin?+
Urocortin is commonly described as approximately 40 amino acids (Neuropeptide (CRF family)).