The role of the CRF-urocortin system in stress resilience

Marloes J.A.G. Henckens, Jan M. Deussing, Alon Chen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationStress Resilience
Subtitle of host publicationMolecular and Behavioral Aspects
PublisherElsevier
Chapter16
Pages233-256
Number of pages24
ISBN (Electronic)9780128139837
ISBN (Print)9780128139844
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine
  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The role of the CRF-urocortin system in stress resilience'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this