Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) also known as stresscopin-related peptide, is derived form a prepropeptide of 112 amino acids, the 72-112 amino acids comprise of Ucn2 with peptide sequences IVL SLD VPI GLL EQA RLR RAA REQ ATT NAR ILA RVG HC, MW of 4450 daltons, synthesized by neurons, skeletal muscles, heart, adrenals etc. Ucn2 is a new member of the CRF family ligands that bind with high affinity with CRFR2 receptors but not with CRFR1 receptors. Ucn 2, a recently identified member of the CRF family comprise of Urocortin 1, Urocortin 2 and Urocortin3. The Urocortin 2 and its high-affinity, membrane-bound type 2 CRF receptor (CRFR2) are highly expressed in skeletal muscle (1); however, the physiological functions of Ucn 2 and CRFR2 in this tissue are not fully understood. Urocortin 2 (Ucn 2), a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family, and its cognate type 2 CRF receptor (CRFR2) are highly expressed in skeletal muscle. Ucn2 deficient mice exhibit increased insulin sensitivity, and are protected from fat induced insulin resistance. Ucn2 inhibited insulin-induced Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in skeletal muscle C2C12 myotubes cells which suggest that Ucn2 functions as a local negative regulator of glucose uptake in muscle (1). The expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor CRFR2 in peripheral tissues and vasculature raised many possibilities of its role in hyper vascularization. The Ucn2 is a specific ligand for CRFR2, and genetic deletion of CRFR2 resulted in hypervascularization and dramatic increase in vessel diameter in mice (3). This suggests that Ucn2 perhaps counter balance to factors that promote neovascuarization. This mechanism also inhibits tumor growth suggesting a potential rile for CRFR2 ligands in clinical malignancies (4). The central nervous system effects of Urocortin are suppression of food intake, regulation of anxiety, learning, memory body temperature and shows neuroprotection (5). Blockade of hypothalamic UCN 2 receptor (CRFR2) attenuated burn injury-induced hypermetabolism in rats (6).
Urocortin 2 has a positive inotropic action, increase in protein synthesis via activating cAMP-PKA systems in cardiac myocytes (7). Urocortin 2 enhances sodium and water excretion, suppresses vasopressin and aldosterone and epinephrine level in Sheep heart failure model (8). In this model, combined treatment of Ucn 2 with captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), significantly improved haemodynamics, hormonal profile, and renal function (9). Genetic deletion of CRFR2 produces hypertensive mouse (10). These findings suggest the physiological roles of Ucn2 in hypermetabolism and cardiovascular functions.
The Ucn2-selective antibody was generated against a peptide taken from human Ucn2. The affinity purified mono epitope-specific rabbit polyclonal antibody strongly labels Urocortin 2 peptide on slot blots in a concentration dependent manner. FabGennix will also provide full length Ucn2 peptide (41mer) as positive control. Limited quantities of antigenic blocking peptide for Ucn2-201AP and western blot positive controls in ready-to-use buffer are also available. FabGennix Inc. also caries FITC-conjugated Urocortin 2 antibodies and will conjugate Ucn2 antibodies with HRP, Alkaline phosphatase, Biotin or other fluorescent probes at a nominal charge. FabGennix Inc. also provides antibodies against many other hormones and their receptors, for a complete listing, please visit www.FabGennix.com.
For research use only, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
Data Sheets
Urocortin 2
MSDS
Citations
Search FabGennix Product Citation Data Base
Search
