Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1

Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) is a is_associated_with::protein, also known as CRF1, with the latter (CRF1) now being the is_associated_with::IUPHAR-recommended name. In humans, CRF1 is encoded by the CRHR1 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
The corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor binds to is_associated_with::corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors, a potent mediator of endocrine, autonomic, behavioral, and immune responses to stress.

CRF1 receptors in mice mediate ethanol enhancement of GABAergic synaptic transmission.

Evolution
Corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) evolved ~ in an organism that subsequently gave rise to both is_associated_with::chordates and is_associated_with::arthropods. The binding site for this was single CRH like receptor. In vertebrates this gene was duplicated leading to the extant CRH1 and CRH2 forms. Additionally four paralogous ligands developed including CRH, urotenin-1/is_associated_with::urocortin, is_associated_with::urocortin 2 and is_associated_with::urocortin 3.

Clinical significance
Variations in the CRHR1 gene is associated with enhanced response to inhaled is_associated_with::corticosteroid therapy in is_associated_with::asthma.

CRF1 triggers cells to release hormones that are linked to stress and anxiety. Hence CRF1 receptor antagonists are being actively studied as possible treatments for depression and anxiety.

Variations in CRHR1 are associated with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

Interactions
Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::Corticotropin-releasing hormone and is_associated_with::Urocortin.