UTS2R

Description

The UTS2R (urotensin 2 receptor) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 17.

The urotensin-2 receptor (UTS2R), also known as GPR14, is a class A rhodopsin family G protein coupled-receptor (GPCR) that is 386 amino acids long. It primarily binds to the neuropeptide urotensin II. The receptor gained significant attention when it was discovered that its activation by urotensin II induced the most potent vasoconstriction effect ever observed. While the exact function of the urotensin II receptor is not completely understood, it has been linked to cardiovascular effects, stress, and REM sleep.

There are two known endogenous agonists for the urotensin II receptor: urotensin II, whose mRNA is found in various tissues including the brain and blood vessels, and urotensin II-Related Peptide (URP), which is also found in various tissues, albeit at lower concentrations than urotensin II. The exception is human reproductive tissue, where URP levels are significantly higher than those of urotensin II.

The urotensin II Receptor interacts with the G Protein, whose alpha subunit is Gαq11, primarily involved in activating Protein Kinase C (PKC). This then activates phospholipase C, increasing the intracellular amount of calcium through the activation of IP3, an intracellular molecule that acts as a secondary messenger. IP3 releases calcium, which then activates PKC. When activated, the urotensin II receptor also promotes beta arrestin translocation. Beta arrestin is crucial for ceasing the receptor's response to a stimulus. It also brings with it other proteins that internalize the receptor, further contributing to cell desensitization to the stimulus.

This receptor binds with high affinity to urotensin-2 and urotensin-2B. Its activity is initiated through a G-protein, which in turn activates a phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system.

UTS2R is also known as GPR14, UR-2-R, UTR, UTR2.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing