The CRF peptide family and their receptors: yet more partners discovered.
Abnormal signaling at corticotropin-releasing factor CRF1 and CRF2 receptors might contribute to the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders, in addition to cardiac and inflammatory disorders. Recently, molecular characterization of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors and the cloning of novel ligands--urocortin, stresscopin-related peptide/urocortin II, and stresscopin/urocortin III--have revealed a far-reaching physiological importance for the family of CRF peptides. Although the physiological roles of the CRF2 receptor remain to be defined, the preclinical and clinical development of specific small-molecule antagonists of the CRF1 receptor opens new avenues for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Dautzenberg
Frank M
FM
Therapeutic Applications, Axovan, Innovation Center, Gewerbestrasse 16, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland. frank.dautzenberg@axovan.com
Hauger
Richard L
RL
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D000099052:CRF Receptor, Type 1
C101531:CRF receptor type 2; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D000099052:CRF Receptor, Type 1; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone