CRH
CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone, also known as CRF or CRH1) is a secreted neuropeptide hormone that plays a central role in whole-body adaptation to stress. It is released by the hypothalamus and drives the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Browse Assay Genie's current range of CRH research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
CRH is a hormone that acts as a primary mediator of the neuroendocrine, autonomic (fight-or-flight) and behavioural responses to stress. It is released by the hypothalamus, primarily in response to physical or psychological stress, and acts by binding to the CRH receptor CRHR1 and, to a lower extent, CRHR2. This signalling activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and leads to production of corticotropin (ACTH) by the pituitary gland, making CRH a key regulator of adaptation to stress.
The CRH gene encodes a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor family, and the protein belongs to the sauvagine/corticotropin-releasing factor/urotensin I family. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the mature neuropeptide hormone. In response to stress it is secreted by the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Beyond the hypothalamus, CRH is also synthesised in peripheral tissues such as T lymphocytes and is highly expressed in the placenta. Mouse and rat orthologs are both designated Crh.
In pregnancy, CRH acts as a 'placental clock', regulating gestational length, foetal development and the timing of labour. Circulating levels rise rapidly at the onset of parturition, suggesting the hormone may act as a trigger for delivery. It also regulates blastocyst implantation by promoting decidualisation, regulating trophoblast invasion and facilitating maternal immune tolerance. Marked reduction of the protein has been observed in association with Alzheimer's disease, and autosomal recessive hypothalamic corticotropin deficiency can have potentially fatal metabolic consequences, including hypoglycaemia and hepatitis.
CRH is a primary mediator of neuroendocrine, autonomic and behavioural stress responses through activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Placental CRH acts as a clock that influences gestational length, foetal development and the timing of labour.
CRH promotes decidualisation, regulates trophoblast invasion and facilitates maternal immune tolerance during blastocyst implantation.
Marked reduction of CRH has been observed in association with Alzheimer's disease, making it of interest in neurological studies.
CRH is a hypothalamic hormone released in response to physical or psychological stress. It binds CRHR1 and, to a lower extent, CRHR2, activating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and stimulating ACTH production. It also regulates gestational length and the timing of labour, and contributes to blastocyst implantation.
CRH is also called corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and CRH1 is a previous gene symbol. The preproprotein is proteolytically processed into the mature neuropeptide hormone, which is secreted. Its HGNC gene group is neuropeptides, and it belongs to the sauvagine/corticotropin-releasing factor/urotensin I family.
Yes. CRH is also made in peripheral tissues such as T lymphocytes and is highly expressed in the placenta. Marked reduction has been observed in Alzheimer's disease, and autosomal recessive hypothalamic corticotropin deficiency has serious metabolic consequences. Mouse and rat both carry a Crh ortholog; check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Binding-protein and pathway partners of CRH in stress and neuroendocrine research.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P06850; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.