Urocortin (UCN)

Urocortin is a 40-amino acid peptide protein encoded by the UCN gene in humans and is part of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family of neuropeptides, which also includes CRF, urocortin II, and urocortin III[1]. It is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as in peripheral organs such as the heart[1][10]. Urocortin functions as an endogenous ligand for CRF receptors (particularly CRF type 1 and type 2 receptors) and is a primary ligand for the CRF type 2 receptor due to its higher binding affinity[1][8]. Urocortin regulates the stress response (including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis), appetite, anxiety, and cardiovascular functions—providing protection against ischemic injury in heart tissue[1][10]. It also modulates cell proliferation through signaling pathways like ERK1/2 (MAPK cascade), in a tissue- and receptor-dependent manner, and may play roles in various diseases such as heart failure, obesity, depression, and inflammatory disorders[3][10].\n—\n**Notes on correctness:**\n- "Urocortin" itself is a neuropeptide ligand, not a classic therapeutic target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter.\n- The main therapeutic targets associated with urocortin are its receptors, especially the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF2 receptor)[1][8].\n- If the intent was to refer to a therapeutic target suitable for drug discovery, "CRF type 2 receptor" (CRF2) would be the appropriate structured entity rather than "urocortin" itself.\n- Therefore, is_target is marked as false and is_incorrect as true for drug targeting purposes.\n\nIf you need structured information on the true drug target ("Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2"), please clarify.

Other names

Urocortin (human)UCNUrocortin 1UCN1