Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) Peptide Family and their Receptors: Divergent Actions Influencing Human Physiology

Authors: E. Karteris; H. S. Randeva; E. W. Hillhouse

Source: Current Genomics, Volume 5, Number 6, August 2004 , pp. 473-481(9)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its related peptides play a central role in the co-ordination of autonomic, behavioural, cardiovascular, immune and endocrine responses to stressful stimuli. Their actions are mediated through activation of two G-protein-coupled receptors encoded by separate genes, termed CRF-R1 and -R2. In this review we focus on the structure, phylogeny, and expression of CRF peptide family. We present up-to-date literature on divergent actions of the CRF peptide family, including stress and behaviour, cardiovascular physiology, energy balance and re pr oduction. We also pr ese nt a br ief over view of CRF rec eptor s inc luding pha rmacologic al aspe cts a nd potential therapeutic interventions for CRF receptors.

Keywords: corticotropin releasing factor; stressful stimuli; protein-coupled receptors; crf peptide family

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389202043348968

Affiliations: 1: Office of the Dean, The Medical School, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9NL.

Publication date: 2004-08-01