A cyclic 11-residue peptide often cited as the most potent mammalian vasoconstrictor.
Also known as: U-II · UII · UTS2
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Urotensin-II (U-II) is an 11-amino-acid cyclic peptide encoded by UTS2 and described as one of the most potent vasoconstrictors known. Acting through the urotensin (UT/GPR14) receptor, it is studied in cardiovascular, renal, metabolic and nervous-system physiology. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Encoded by the UTS2 gene; expressed in cardiovascular and neural tissue
Primary research or clinical context: Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic physiology research
Structure and receptor
Human urotensin-II is a cyclic peptide with a disulfide-bridged core (ETPDCFWKYCV) that is remarkably conserved from lamprey to human. It binds the G-protein-coupled urotensin receptor (UT, formerly GPR14), widely expressed across cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary and central-nervous systems.
Research interest
Because the urotensin system spans multiple organs and can affect vascular tone, cardiac function and insulin release, it is explored as a drug target. Urotensin receptor antagonists are studied for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, keeping this peptide prominent in vascular research.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Urotensin-II (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
ETPDCFWKYCV
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
FAQ about Urotensin-II
What is Urotensin-II?+
Urotensin-II (U-II) is an 11-amino-acid cyclic peptide encoded by UTS2 and described as one of the most potent vasoconstrictors known. Acting through the urotensin (UT/GPR14) receptor, it is studied in cardiovascular, renal, metabolic and nervous-system physiology. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Is Urotensin-II an approved medicine?+
Urotensin-II is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic physiology research. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Urotensin-II?+
Urotensin-II is commonly described as approximately 11 amino acids (Signaling peptide).