Page data last changed: . Chemistry registry snapshot: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
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.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
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
- Urotensin-II (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 · 2026-10-01
- PubChem molecular record · 2026-10-01
- Molecular formula
- C64H85N13O18S2
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 1,388.6
- PubChem CID: 46225600
- IUPHAR ligand: 2155
- CAS RN: 9047-55-6
- UNII: QV99Q4C6CR
Chemistry values: PubChem, IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology · fetched 2026-10-01.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 3 registered studies with “Urotensin-II” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-09-06). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT01098799 | Urotensin II in Chronic Kidney Diseases and Kidney Transplants | — | completed | 2013-06-13 |
| NCT00654966 | Evaluation of the Effects of Urotensin-II and Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors on Skin Microvessel Tone in | Phase 2 | completed | 2011-07-20 |
| NCT00163995 | Urotensin II and Vascular Tone in Cirrhosis | — | unknown | 2007-07-26 |
Urotensin-II — reconstitution calculator
Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.
Reference form: Urotensin-II (source record; form not independently established)Average reference mass: 1,388.6 Da
Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.
Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.
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.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Urotensin-II?+
Canadian product status for Urotensin-II 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 Urotensin-II?+
Urotensin-II is commonly described as approximately 11 amino acids (Signaling peptide).
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Sun et al. (2019). Urotensin II: an inflammatory cytokine. J Endocrinol
- 2.Pedard et al. (2024). The urotensin II receptor triggers an early meningeal response and a delayed macrophage-dependent vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage in male mice. Nat Commun
- 3.Loirand et al. (2008). Urotensin II and atherosclerosis. Peptides
- 4.do Rego et al. (2008). Behavioral actions of urotensin-II. Peptides
- 5.Michael et al. (2024). Urotensin II system in chronic kidney disease. Curr Res Physiol
- 6.Svistunov et al. (2018). Urotensin II: Molecular Mechanisms of Biological Activity. Curr Protein Pept Sci
- 7.Vaudry (2008). Biologically active peptides urotensin II (UII) and urotensin II-related peptide (URP), and to their cognate receptor (UT). Editorial. Peptides
- 8.Wei et al. (2023). Urotensin II Receptor Modulation with 1,3,4-Benzotriazepin-2-one Tetrapeptide Mimics. J Med Chem
- 9.GeneCards — UTS2 gene (Urotensin 2)
- 10.Wikipedia — Urotensin-II