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Urocortin II: a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neuropeptide family that is selectively bound by type 2 CRF receptors.
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Reyes, Teresa M. Lewis, Kim Perrin, Marilyn H. Kunitake, Koichi Vaughan, Jenny Arias, Cesar A. Hogenesch, John B. Gulyás, József Rivier, Jean E. Vale, Wylie W. Sawchenko, Paul E. |
| Copyright Year | 2001 |
| Abstract | Here we describe the cloning and initial characterization of a previously unidentified CRF-related neuropeptide, urocortin II (Ucn II). Searches of the public human genome database identified a region with significant sequence homology to the CRF neuropeptide family. By using homologous primers deduced from the human sequence, a mouse cDNA was isolated from whole brain poly(A)(+) RNA that encodes a predicted 38-aa peptide, structurally related to the other known mammalian family members, CRF and Ucn. Ucn II binds selectively to the type 2 CRF receptor (CRF-R2), with no appreciable activity on CRF-R1. Transcripts encoding Ucn II are expressed in discrete regions of the rodent central nervous system, including stress-related cell groups in the hypothalamus (paraventricular and arcuate nuclei) and brainstem (locus coeruleus). Central administration of 1-10 microg of peptide elicits activational responses (Fos induction) preferentially within a core circuitry subserving autonomic and neuroendocrine regulation, but whose overall pattern does not broadly mimic the CRF-R2 distribution. Behaviorally, central Ucn II attenuates nighttime feeding, with a time course distinct from that seen in response to CRF. In contrast to CRF, however, central Ucn II failed to increase gross motor activity. These findings identify Ucn II as a new member of the CRF family of neuropeptides, which is expressed centrally and binds selectively to CRF-R2. Initial functional studies are consistent with Ucn II involvement in central autonomic and appetitive control, but not in generalized behavioral activation. |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| DOI | 10.1073/pnas.051626398 |
| PubMed reference number | 11226328 |
| Journal | Medline |
| Volume Number | 98 |
| Issue Number | 5 |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://www.pnas.org/content/98/5/2843.full.pdf |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.051626398 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
