Hormone that plays a central role in whole body adaptation to stress (PubMed:20966082, PubMed:24290358, PubMed:32004470, PubMed:36335102, PubMed:8612563). Released by the hypothalamus primarily in response to physical or psychological stress and acts by binding to CRH receptors CRHR1 and CRHR2 (PubMed:24290358, PubMed:26350463, PubMed:32004470, PubMed:36335102, PubMed:8612563). UCN-dependent signaling is a primary mediator of the neuroendocrine, autonomic (fight-or-flight) and behavioral responses to stress, acting as a key regulator of adaptation by activating the hypothalamus- pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to corticotropin hormone (ACTH) production (PubMed:8612563). Plays a role in the establishment of normal hearing thresholds (By similarity). Reduces food intake and regulates ghrelin levels in gastric body and plasma (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:P55090, ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:P81615, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20966082, ECO:0000269|PubMed:24290358, ECO:0000269|PubMed:26350463, ECO:0000269|PubMed:32004470, ECO:0000269|PubMed:36335102, ECO:0000269|PubMed:8612563}. This is the function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000163794 (UCN, urocortin).