Acts in vitro to stimulate the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (By similarity). Binds with high affinity to CRF receptor types 1, 2-alpha, and 2-beta (By similarity). Plays a role in the establishment of normal hearing thresholds (PubMed:12091910). Reduces food intake and regulates ghrelin levels in gastric body and plasma (By similarity). Interacts with CRHR1 and CRHR2 (via their N-terminal extracellular domain). In the organ of Corti, detected in the inner hair cell region (at protein level) (PubMed:12091910). Expressed in skin (at protein level) (PubMed:10690896). In skin, levels decrease gradually from the telogen (resting) phase of the hair follicle with lowest levels observed in late anagen IV phase of active growth (at protein level). Increased anxiety-like behavior, reduced Crhr2 mRNA levels in the lateral septum, normal basal feeding behavior, and hearing impairment at the level of the inner ear with shorter outer hair cells, higher threshold for auditory stimuli and higher distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Belongs to the sauvagine/corticotropin-releasing factor/urotensin I family.