CRHR2-deficient mice displayed altered social approach in the social maze test but normal novel object preference; specific knockdown of CRHR2 in the medial amygdala recapitulated this phenotype (Shemesh et al., 2016). In the same report, it was shown that pharmacological activation of CRHR2 in the medial amygdala increased preference for novel mice. Previous studies had shown that mice deficient for CRHR2 displayed anxiety-like behavior and were hypersensitive to stress (Bale et al., 2000; Kishimoto et al., 2000).
Molecular Function
The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor 2 family, and the subfamily of corticotropin releasing hormone receptor. This receptor shows high affinity for corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), and also binds CRH-related peptides such as urocortin. CRH is synthesized in the hypothalamus, and plays an important role in coordinating the endocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to stress and immune challenge.
External Links
References
Type
Title
Type of Disorder
Associated Disorders
Author, Year
Primary
Ucn3 and CRF-R2 in the medial amygdala regulate complex social dynamics.
Model Type:
Genetic
Model Genotype:
Homozygous
Mutation:
Crhr2 is knocked ou in germline. Details of the construct are not provided in Shemesh et al (PMID 27428651).
Allele Type: Targeted(knockout)
Strain of Origin: Genetic Background: C57Bl/6*129
ES Cell Line: Mutant ES Cell Line: Model Source: C57Bl/6*129
Model Type:
Genetic
Model Genotype:
Homozygous
Mutation:
A lentivirus encoding a shRNA targeting the Crhr2 transcript was bilaterally injected into the medial amygdala of adult mice. Mice were tested 10 days after the injection.
Allele Type: Targeted(knockdown)
Strain of Origin: Genetic Background: ES Cell Line: Mutant ES Cell Line: Model Source:
Description: Crhr2 null mice have no preference for a novel mouse over a familiar mouse and spend increased time interacting with the familiar mouse compared to wildtype. authors indicate the role of ucn3 in modulating interaction with familiar conspecifics
Exp Paradigm: NA
Description: Knockdown of crhr2 specifically in the amygdala also results in impaired social memory, these mice do not display preference for novel mice and show increased preference towards familiar mice unlike controls injected with artificial cerebrospinal fluid, indicating a specific role of the amygdalar crhr2 in this impairment
Exp Paradigm: NA
