CRHR1 Gene
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor 1 (CRHR1) is a gene involved in HPA axis / stress response that has been studied in relation to immune function, metabolism, and chronic illness. Variants in CRHR1 may influence how the body responds to infection, inflammation, and long-term recovery.
This page is for educational and informational purposes only. Not a diagnostic tool. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What is the CRHR1 gene?
CRHR1 encodes corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1, a protein involved in HPA axis / stress response. It belongs to the Neuroendocrine category and is part of the Autonomic Nervous System biological cluster. CRHR1 encodes the receptor for CRH on anterior pituitary corticotrophs, mediating ACTH release and HPA axis activation.
Biological role and pathway
CRHR1 is involved in the HPA axis / stress response pathway, which plays a central role in regulating physiological processes relevant to immune defence, cellular energy, and systemic homeostasis. Genes within the Autonomic Nervous System cluster work together to maintain balanced function across interconnected biological systems.
Variants in genes within this pathway may influence an individual's predisposition to altered function in these systems — particularly under conditions of physiological stress such as viral infection or prolonged illness.
CRHR1 and Long COVID / ME-CFS research
CRHR1 variants affecting HPA axis sensitivity may influence stress-related symptom exacerbation and autonomic dysfunction in Long COVID and ME/CFS.
This information is based on published research and does not constitute medical advice. See references below.
Known genetic variants
The following variants (SNPs) in the CRHR1 gene have been studied in relation to neuroendocrine and chronic illness. Each variant represents a single nucleotide position where individuals may carry different alleles.
Conditions studied in relation to CRHR1
Research into CRHR1 variants has explored associations with the following conditions. These are areas of scientific investigation and do not imply that CRHR1 causes or treats any condition.
Genetic insights from DNA data
Consumer DNA files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage contain raw SNP data. When you upload your file to ChronicDNA, the analysis engine checks your genotype against a curated panel of 80+ genes selected for their relevance to Long COVID, ME/CFS, and connected biological pathways - some of which may include CRHR1 and related genes in the autonomic nervous system pathway.
The report is educational - it explains which variants you carry, what the research says about them, and how they fit into the biological pathways most relevant to chronic illness. Results are presented in plain English with appropriate scientific context, no medical jargon, no scare tactics. All results should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Related genes in the Autonomic Nervous System pathway
CRHR1 does not act in isolation. The following genes are functionally related and may be analysed together for a more complete picture of your genetic predispositions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CRHR1 gene and what does it do?
CRHR1 (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor 1) is involved in HPA axis / stress response. CRHR1 encodes the receptor for CRH on anterior pituitary corticotrophs, mediating ACTH release and HPA axis activation.
How may CRHR1 gene variants relate to Long COVID or ME/CFS?
CRHR1 variants affecting HPA axis sensitivity may influence stress-related symptom exacerbation and autonomic dysfunction in Long COVID and ME/CFS.
Can a DNA test reveal information about my CRHR1 gene?
Consumer DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage includes SNP variants for many genes. ChronicDNA analyses your raw DNA file and reports on variants that have been studied in relation to chronic illness, immune function, and metabolism. This is not a diagnostic service — results are informational and educational only.
Explore your CRHR1 genetic insights
Upload your DNA data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage and receive a personalised report covering >80 genes relevant to Long COVID and ME/CFS.
Get Your Personalised DNA ReportInformational and educational only · Not a diagnostic tool · GDPR compliant
References
The following publications were used in compiling the research context for CRHR1. This is not an exhaustive literature review.
- [1]PMID: 33664986
- [2]Nature Genetics
- [3]Molecular Psychiatry