Urocortin

Urocortin is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the UCN is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene is a member of the sauvagine/corticotropin-releasing factor/urotensin I family. It is structurally related to the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) gene and the encoded product is an endogenous ligand for CRF type 2 receptors. In the brain, it may be responsible for the effects of stress on appetite. In spite of the gene family name similarity, the product of this gene has no sequence similarity to urotensin II.

Urocortin is a potent is_associated_with::anorexigenic is_associated_with::peptide of 40 is_associated_with::amino acids that induces fed-like motor activity when administered centrally or peripherally in fasted animals. Urocortin belongs to the is_associated_with::corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family that includes CRF, is_associated_with::urotensin I, is_associated_with::sauvagine, is_associated_with::urocortin II and is_associated_with::urocortin III. Urocortin is also a potent and long-lasting is_associated_with::hypotensive agent and increases is_associated_with::coronary blood flow.

Interactions
Urocortin has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::Corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1.