Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)/urocortin (UCN) system is essential in coordinating a proper autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral response to stressful situations. Whereas this response is primarily adaptive in response to acute danger, exposure to chronic or severe stress is capable of inducing long-lasting changes in system function, culminating in stress-related psychopathologies such as depression and anxiety. Here, we describe evidence for the involvement of CRF/UCN system dysfunction in stress-related mental disorders and touch upon potential mechanistic underpinnings in terms of genetics, epigenetics, regulation of receptor and ligand availability, and activated signaling pathways, which may mediate the interindividual differences in susceptibility to stress-related disease. Increased understanding of these mechanisms could pave the way for novel and more efficient treatment options for those suffering from stress-related disorders.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Stress Resilience |
Subtitle of host publication | Molecular and Behavioral Aspects |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Chapter | 16 |
Pages | 233-256 |
Number of pages | 24 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128139837 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780128139844 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2020 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General Medicine
- General Neuroscience