Uts2-KO 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, with its functions including vasoconstriction and possible roles in fibrosis, apoptosis, and glucose metabolism, suggesting its importance in maintaining physiological homeostasis and potential implications in disease development [4,6].

In Behçet's disease, the Thr/Thr genotype and the Thr allele of Uts2 rs228648 variant were significantly higher in patients compared with normal controls, indicating its role in the development and clinical modulation of the disease [1]. In colon cancer, Uts2 was part of a five-immune gene prognostic risk model, which could predict overall survival more accurately than age and pathological stage [2]. In glioblastoma multiforme, knockdown of Uts2 decreased cell proliferation and migration, and in vivo studies showed that Uts2 knockdown suppressed xenograft growth, identifying it as a valid independent prognostic indicator [3]. In atrial fibrillation, Ser89Asn polymorphisms of the Uts2 gene were significantly associated with the disease in the Chinese population, and the Met21Met genotype may have a potential beneficial role [5]. In breast cancer, Thr21Met polymorphism in the Uts2 gene was associated with the risk of developing breast cancer, and there was a significant decrease in the levels of urotensin-II protein in the plasma of breast cancer patients [7].

In conclusion, Uts2 plays diverse roles in multiple disease conditions, including autoimmune, cardiovascular, and cancer diseases. The studies on Uts2, especially those using knockdown or genetic variant analysis, have provided insights into its functions in disease development and prognosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target or prognostic marker in these diseases.