Uts2-flox Mouse

Uts2, also known as urotensin II, is an undecapeptide hormone and the most potent vasoconstrictor identified so far. It has a highly conserved structure through mammalian phylogeny. Uts2 is involved in various physiological and pathological processes, such as glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and is associated with many diseases including auto-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and cancer-related conditions [4,6].

In Behçet's disease, the Thr/Thr genotype and Thr allele of Uts2 rs228648 variant were more frequent in patients compared to controls, suggesting its role in the development and clinical modulation of the disease [1]. In colon cancer, Uts2 is part of a five-immune gene prognostic risk model, which can predict overall survival more accurately than age and pathological stage [2]. In glioblastoma, Uts2 was identified as an independent prognostic indicator, and its knockdown decreased cell proliferation, migration, and suppressed xenograft growth [3]. In the Chinese population, Ser89Asn polymorphisms of Uts2 are associated with atrial fibrillation, and the Met21Met genotype may have a beneficial role [5]. In breast cancer, Thr21Met polymorphism in Uts2 was associated with the risk of developing breast cancer, and urotensin-II protein levels were decreased in patients [7].

In conclusion, Uts2 plays a significant role in multiple disease conditions, including auto-inflammatory diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. The studies on Uts2 help in understanding the disease mechanisms, and genetic polymorphisms and expression changes of Uts2 can be potential biomarkers for disease susceptibility and prognosis prediction.