Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that binds corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), a key neuropeptide regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. CRHR1 mediates stress responses, anxiety, and inflammatory processes by activating intracellular signaling pathways, primarily via cAMP. Dysregulation of CRHR1 is implicated in stress-related disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), addiction, and autoimmune conditions, making it a therapeutic target.
CRHR1 antibodies are tools designed to detect, quantify, or modulate receptor activity. These antibodies typically target extracellular domains (e.g., N-terminus) or intracellular regions, enabling applications in Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, or flow cytometry to study receptor localization and expression. Some antibodies act as antagonists, blocking CRH binding to inhibit downstream signaling, which is valuable for exploring CRHR1's role in disease models.
Research using CRHR1 antibodies has advanced understanding of receptor trafficking, ligand-receptor interactions, and tissue-specific functions. For instance, studies in transgenic mice or human cell lines reveal CRHR1's involvement in neuroinflammation and behavioral responses. Therapeutic antibodies or small-molecule antagonists (e.g., verucerfont) are under investigation for stress-related disorders. However, challenges remain, including cross-reactivity with CRHR2 or species-specific epitope variations. Overall, CRHR1 antibodies remain critical for both basic research and drug development targeting stress pathophysiology.
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