Rat Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Receptor 1 (CRHR1) Protein

Background

CRHR1 is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that binds corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and related peptides like urocortin 1, playing a central role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. CRHR1 is highly expressed in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and cerebral cortex, where it regulates stress responses by stimulating the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary. Activation of CRHR1 triggers signaling pathways such as cAMP/PKA, MAPK, and calcium mobilization, leading to cellular responses that modulate stress, behavior, and emotional regulation. CRHR1 is implicated in stress-related disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where dysregulated CRH signaling disrupts HPA axis activity and leads to chronic stress responses. CRHR1 also plays roles in energy metabolism, immune regulation, and inflammation, with emerging evidence linking it to conditions like obesity and inflammatory diseases. In cancer, CRHR1 overexpression has been observed in melanoma and other tumors, where CRH signaling promotes cell proliferation and survival. Pharmacological inhibitors of CRHR1, such as antagonists, are being explored as potential treatments for anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-induced metabolic dysfunctions, highlighting its importance in neuroendocrine regulation and disease.