Novel insights into the role of urotensin II in cardiovascular disease

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Pereira Castro, J (Author) Other; Brás-Silva C (Author) FMUP; Fontes Sousa, AP (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Drug Discovery Today

Vol. 24

Pages: 2170-2180

ISSN: 1359-6446

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 16 Citations

Scopus - 17 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-ZT1

DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.08.005

Abstract (EN): Urotensin II (UII) is a vasoactive peptide that interacts with a specific receptor called the UT receptor. UII has been implicated in cardiovascular regulation, with promising therapeutic applications based on UT receptor antagonism. The endogenous ligands of the UT receptor: UII and urotensin-related peptide (URP), differentially bind and activate this receptor. Also, the receptor localization is not restricted to the plasma membrane, possibly inducing different physiological responses that could support its inconsistent, but potent, vasoactive activity. These properties could explain the disappointing outcomes in clinical studies, in contrast to the positive preclinical results regarding heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. These aspects should be considered in future investigations to a better comprehension of the role of UII as a potential therapeutic target.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11