Association analysis of urotensin II gene (UTS2) and flanking regions with biochemical parameters related to insulin resistance.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, which signals through a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) known as GPR14 or urotensin receptor (UTR). UII exerts a broad spectrum of actions in several systems such as vascular cell, heart muscle or pancreas, where it inhibits insulin release.

OBJECTIVE:

Given the reported role of UII in insulin secretion, we have performed a genetic association analysis of the UTS2 gene and flanking regions with biochemical parameters related to insulin resistance (fasting glucose, glucose 2 hours after a glucose overload, fasting insulin and insulin resistance estimated as HOMA).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:

We have identified several polymorphisms associated with the analysed clinical traits, not only at the UTS2 gene, but also in thePER3 gene, located upstream from UTS2. Our results are compatible with a role for UII in glucose homeostasis and diabetes although we cannot rule out the possibility that PER3 gene may underlie the reported associations.

• Authors: María E Sáez, Tarik Smani, Reposo Ramírez-Lorca, Ignacio Díaz, Manuel Serrano-Ríos, Agustín Ruiz, Antonio Ordoñez
• Journal: PloS one (PLoS One) Vol. 6 Issue 4 Pg. e19327 (Apr 29 2011) ISSN: 1932-6203 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21559414 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• PER3 protein, human
• Period Circadian Proteins
• Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
• UTS2R protein, human
• Urotensins
• urotensin II

Topics

• Chromosome Mapping
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Genotype
• Haplotypes
• Humans
• Insulin Resistance
• Male
• Period Circadian Proteins (genetics)
• Phenotype
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
• Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled (genetics)
• Spain
• Urotensins (genetics)