Urocortin Small Molecules and Peptides

Urocortin (UCN, UCN1) is a member of the widely expressed corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) peptide family that includes UCN1-3 and CRF. UCN stimulates cAMP and MAPK pathways via either of two G-protein coupled receptors, CRFR1 and CRFR2, while other family members prefer CRFR1 (CRF) or CRFR2 (UCN2, UCN3). In the brain, UCN has been implicated in counteracting stress-provoked anxiety and suppressing appetite. It also modulates metabolic activity in peripheral tissues and protects the heart from ischemia/reprofusion injury.