Galanin-like peptide

experimental

Also known as: GALP, Q9UBC7

Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is a 60-amino-acid hypothalamic neuropeptide that binds with high affinity to the galanin receptors GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3, which are G-protein-coupled receptors. Activation of these receptors modulates intracellular signaling pathways, including inhibition of adenylate cyclase and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. GALP is primarily expressed in the arcuate nucleus and median eminence, and its release is regulated by metabolic and hormonal cues such as leptin and insulin, positioning it as a key modulator of energy homeostasis and neuroendocrine function. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that central administration of GALP in rodents induces acute feeding behavior, followed by a delayed suppression of food intake and increased energy expenditure, suggesting a biphasic role in appetite regulation. Additionally, GALP influences reproductive function by stimulating luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion via interactions with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Research also indicates GALP’s involvement in thermoregulation, stress responses, and glucose metabolism, with effects mediated through distinct receptor subtypes and neural circuits. Despite its experimental status, GALP holds potential clinical relevance for disorders involving energy balance dysregulation, such as obesity and cachexia, as well as reproductive and metabolic syndromes. However, its therapeutic application remains limited by the complexity of its receptor interactions and the need for targeted delivery systems. Further research is required to elucidate its full physiological roles and translational potential. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Category
Immune Modulation
Sequence
MAPPSVPLVLLLVLLLSLAETPASAPAHRGRGGWTLNSAGYLLGPVLHLPQMGDQDGKRETALEILDLWKAIDGLPYSHPPQPSKRNVMETFAKPEIGDLGMLSMKIPKEEDVLKS
Molecular weight
2332.7 g/mol
Molecular formula
C106H170N28O29S
Research status
experimental
References
184
Tags
uniprot, alternative-splicing, antibiotic, antimicrobial, cleavage-on-pair-of-basic-residues, hormone, neuropeptide, reference-proteome, secreted, signal

Mechanism of action

Hypothalamic neuropeptide which binds to the G-protein-coupled galanin receptors (GALR1, GALR2 and GALR3). Involved in a large number of putative physiological functions in CNS homeostatic processes, including the regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion

Research & studies

Effect of Intracerebroventricular Administration of Galanin-Like Peptide on Hepatokines in C57BL/6 J Mice
Journal of molecular neuroscience : MN · 2024 · PubMed
Molecular programs of regional specification and neural stem cell fate progression in macaque telencephalon
Science (New York, N.Y.) · 2023 · PubMed

Primate-biased galanin-like peptide (GALP) signaling was identified in the anteroventral telencephalon.; Regional transcriptomic variations were observed along the frontotemporal axis during neocortical NSC progression.; Genes associated with neuropsychiatric disorders and brain cancer risk may play critical roles in early telencephalic organizers and NSC progression.

Galanin-like peptide and its correlation with androgen levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Endokrynologia Polska · 2023 · PubMed

Serum GALP levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients than controls (p = 0.001).; GALP was positively correlated with total testosterone (r = 0.265, p = 0.024) and negatively correlated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (r = -0.401, p = 0.002).; Total testosterone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D significantly contributed to GALP levels in multiple regression analysis.; Waist circumference and Ferriman-Gallwey score were significantly higher in PCOS patients, while 25-hydroxyvitamin D was lower.

Epigenetic upregulation of galanin-like peptide mediates deoxynivalenol induced-growth inhibition in pituitary cells
Toxicology and applied pharmacology · 2020 · PubMed
[Galanin-like peptide (GALP): localization, receptors and biological function]
Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej (Online) · 2015 · PubMed
Leptin and its receptors
Journal of chemical neuroanatomy · 2014 · PubMed
Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is a hypothalamic regulator of energy homeostasis and reproduction
Frontiers in neuroendocrinology · 2011 · PubMed
Galanin-like peptide and the regulation of feeding behavior and energy metabolism
The FEBS journal · 2010 · PubMed

Frequently asked questions

What is Galanin-like peptide?

Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is a 60-amino-acid hypothalamic neuropeptide that binds with high affinity to the galanin receptors GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3, which are G-protein-coupled receptors. Activation of these receptors modulates intracellular signaling pathways, including inhibition of adenylate cyclase and activati

How does Galanin-like peptide work?

Hypothalamic neuropeptide which binds to the G-protein-coupled galanin receptors (GALR1, GALR2 and GALR3). Involved in a large number of putative physiological functions in CNS homeostatic processes, including the regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion

What is the research status of Galanin-like peptide?

Galanin-like peptide is currently classified as experimental, with 184 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.

What is the molecular weight of Galanin-like peptide?

Galanin-like peptide has a molecular weight of approximately 2332.7 g/mol (formula C106H170N28O29S).

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