UTS2B encodes urotensin II-related peptide (URP), a cyclic neuropeptide belonging to the somatostatin/cortistatin superfamily 1. As a potent vasoconstrictor, URP activates the urotensin II receptor (UT), a G protein-coupled receptor, triggering intracellular calcium elevation and MAPK/ERK signaling cascade activation 2. In mammals, UTS2B is primarily expressed in cholinergic neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord, with additional expression in cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine tissues 1. Notably, UTS2B marks male-specific neurons in the songbird vocal control nucleus HVC, suggesting novel roles in learned vocal communication 3. Beyond cardiovascular effects, URP functions as a neuromodulator regulating anxiety, feeding, and sleep behaviors 4. UTS2B expression increases following acute social isolation in zebra finch forebrain, independent of partner presence, indicating stress-responsive regulation 5. URP exhibits functional selectivity, stabilizing distinct UT conformations to activate different signaling pathways compared to urotensin II 6. These pleiotropic actions position UTS2B in diverse physiological systems, from cardiovascular regulation to neural circuits governing communication and social behavior.