Peptide Database

UCN1 · Urocortin

Urocortin 1 (UCN1) is a 40-amino-acid member of the CRH peptide family that activates both CRHR1 and CRHR2 receptors. It has potent cardioprotective effects — improving cardiac contractility, reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury, and stimulating natriuresis — making it a significant heart failure research target. It also modulates anxiety and appetite centrally. Phase 2 trials for chronic heart failure showed improvements in cardiac function.