This family consists of several eukaryotic corticotropin-releasing factor binding proteins (CRF-BP or CRH-BP). Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays multiple roles in vertebrate species. In mammals, it is the major hypothalamic releasing factor for pituitary adrenocorticotropin secretion, and is a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator at other sites in the central nervous system. In non-mammalian vertebrates, CRH not only acts as a neurotransmitter and hypophysiotropin, it also acts as a potent thyrotropin-releasing factor, allowing CRH to regulate both the adrenal and thyroid axes, especially in development. CRH-BP is thought to play an inhibitory role in which it binds CRH and other CRH-like ligands and prevents the activation of CRH receptors. There is however evidence that CRH-BP may also exhibit diverse extra and intracellular roles in a cell specific fashion and at specific times in development [1].

1: Corticotropin-releasing hormone-binding protein: biochemistry and function from fishes to mammals. Seasholtz AF, Valverde RA, Denver RJ; J Endocrinol 2002;175:89-97. PMID:12379493