CRHR - Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Receptor | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background:

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that respond to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or its related peptides. These receptors play crucial roles in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, stress response, mood, and anxiety.Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors are activated by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and related peptides, including urocortins (UCN1, UCN2, UCN3). These peptides are released in response to stress and play essential roles in coordinating the physiological and behavioral responses to stress.

Structural Features:

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors, like other GPCRs, consist of seven transmembrane domains, an extracellular N-terminus, and an intracellular C-terminus. Upon ligand binding, conformational changes in the receptor initiate intracellular signaling cascades through interaction with heterotrimeric G proteins.

Subtypes and Classification:

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors encompass several subtypes, including:

• CRF1 Receptor (CRF1R): This subtype is predominantly expressed in the brain, particularly in regions such as the hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. CRF1R mediates the effects of CRF on the HPA axis, stress response, and anxiety-related behaviors.
• CRF2 Receptor (CRF2R): This subtype has two isoforms, CRF2α and CRF2β, and is expressed in various brain regions, as well as peripheral tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract and immune cells. CRF2R modulates the effects of CRF on stress-related behaviors, gastrointestinal function, and immune responses.

Physiological Functions:

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors mediate various physiological effects in different tissues and organ systems:

• Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis: CRF1 receptors in the hypothalamus regulate the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland, which, in turn, stimulates cortisol secretion from the adrenal glands, coordinating the body's response to stress.
• Stress Response: Activation of CRF receptors in the brain, particularly CRF1 receptors, mediates the behavioral and physiological responses to stress, including anxiety, fear, arousal, and vigilance.
• Mood Regulation: Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors are implicated in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders, with dysregulation of CRF signaling contributing to the pathophysiology of these conditions.
• Gastrointestinal Function: CRF receptors in the gastrointestinal tract modulate gastrointestinal motility, secretion, and visceral pain perception, affecting digestive processes and gut-brain communication.

Clinical Implications:

Dysregulation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor signaling is associated with various pathological conditions:

• Mood Disorders: Altered CRF receptor activity may contribute to the development and progression of mood disorders such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Stress-Related Disorders: Dysfunctional CRF signaling is implicated in stress-related disorders such as chronic stress, burnout, and adjustment disorders.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Changes in CRF receptor expression or function may be involved in gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and functional dyspepsia.

Therapeutic Potential: Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in mood disorders, stress-related disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Pharmacological modulation of CRF receptor activity, either through agonists, antagonists, or allosteric modulators, holds promise for the development of novel therapies targeting these receptors.