Urotensin II has been reported to be a cyclic 12 amino acid residue peptide with one sequence similarity to urotensin I. However, the existence of urotensin II is not reported in mammals. Recently, the precursor of human urotensin II and the localization of the corresponding mRNA have been reported. In situ hybridization studies showed that the urotensin II precursor gene is actively expressed in motoneurons. According to a very recent report, urotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and agonist for the orphan receptor GPR14. urotensin II may exert important physiological functions in humans. Urotensin I, is related to Urocortin, which has been found to serve as a ligand for type 1 and type 2 corticotropin-releasing factor receptor.
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