A 16-residue gut peptide linking intestinal salt handling to renal excretion and satiety.
Also known as: UGN · GUCA2B
Part of the Metabolic & GLP-1 peptides cluster
Overview
Uroguanylin is a 16-amino-acid peptide secreted by enterochromaffin cells of the duodenum and encoded by GUCA2B. As an endogenous guanylate cyclase-C agonist, it regulates intestinal and renal electrolyte and water transport and has been implicated in appetite and post-meal fullness. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Secreted by enterochromaffin cells of the small intestine (GUCA2B gene)
Primary research or clinical context: Gut-kidney axis and appetite physiology research
Gut-kidney signaling
Like guanylin, uroguanylin activates the guanylate cyclase-C receptor to raise cGMP and promote chloride and bicarbonate secretion. It is proposed to function as an intestinal natriuretic hormone, linking dietary salt intake to renal sodium excretion along a gut-kidney axis.
Metabolic interest
Beyond electrolyte handling, uroguanylin signaling has been associated with appetite regulation and sensations of fullness after meals. The GC-C agonist plecanatide is derived from uroguanylin, highlighting the therapeutic relevance of this endogenous peptide.
FAQ about Uroguanylin
What is Uroguanylin?+
Uroguanylin is a 16-amino-acid peptide secreted by enterochromaffin cells of the duodenum and encoded by GUCA2B. As an endogenous guanylate cyclase-C agonist, it regulates intestinal and renal electrolyte and water transport and has been implicated in appetite and post-meal fullness. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Uroguanylin an approved medicine?+
Uroguanylin is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Gut-kidney axis and appetite physiology research. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Uroguanylin?+
Uroguanylin is commonly described as approximately 16 amino acids (Signaling peptide (guanylin family)).