The present invention provides novel isolated CRF2-12 polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the CRF2-12 polynucleotides. Also provided are the antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a CRF2-12 polypeptide or any derivative (including fusion derivative), variant, mutant or fragment of the CRF2-12 polypeptide, polynucleotide or antibody. The invention additionally provides methods in which the CRF2-12 polypeptide, polynucleotide and antibody are utilized in the detection and treatment of a broad range of pathological states, as well as to other uses.