Galanin peptides

experimental

Also known as: GAL, P22466

Galanin peptides, encoded by the GAL gene (P22466), are neuroendocrine hormones widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Their mechanism of action involves binding to three G protein-coupled receptors—GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3—which modulate intracellular signaling cascades, including inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. This receptor activation influences neurotransmitter release, neuronal excitability, and synaptic plasticity, contributing to galanin's regulatory roles in pain modulation, feeding behavior, and neuroendocrine function. Key research findings indicate that galanin peptides exhibit anticonvulsant, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties in preclinical models. Studies have shown that galanin overexpression or exogenous administration reduces seizure severity and chronic pain, while GALR1 and GALR2 knockout models display increased anxiety-like behaviors and impaired cognitive function. Additionally, galanin signaling is implicated in energy homeostasis, with evidence linking altered galanin levels to obesity and metabolic disorders. Clinically, galanin peptides remain experimental, with no approved therapeutic applications. Their potential relevance spans epilepsy, chronic pain syndromes, depression, and Alzheimer's disease, where receptor-specific agonists or antagonists are under investigation. However, translational challenges include short peptide half-life and limited blood-brain barrier permeability. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Category
Hormonal & Endocrine
Sequence
MARGSALLLASLLLAAALSASAGLWSPAKEKRGWTLNSAGYLLGPHAVGNHRSFSDKNGLTSKRELRPEDDMKPGSFDRSIPENNIMRTIIEFLSFLHLKEAGALDRLLDLPAAASSEDIERS
Molecular weight
180.16 g/mol
Molecular formula
C6H12O6
CAS number
59-23-4
Research status
experimental
References
24
Tags
uniprot, 3d-structure, cleavage-on-pair-of-basic-residues, direct-protein-sequencing, disease-variant, epilepsy, hormone, neuropeptide, phosphoprotein, proteomics-identification, reference-proteome, secreted

Mechanism of action

Endocrine hormone of the central and peripheral nervous systems that binds and activates the G protein-coupled receptors GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3. This small neuropeptide may regulate diverse physiologic functions including contraction of smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract, growth hormone and insulin release and adrenal secretion

Research & studies

Antioxidant Properties of Galanin and Its N-Terminal Fragments in in vitro and in vivo Oxidative Stress Modeling
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia · 2021 · PubMed
Understanding the Role of GPCR Heteroreceptor Complexes in Modulating the Brain Networks in Health and Disease
Frontiers in cellular neuroscience · 2017 · PubMed
The Effect of Stress on the Galaninergic System in the Rat Adenohypophysis: mRNA Expression and Immunohistochemistry of Galanin Receptors
Folia biologica · 2017 · PubMed
Physiology, signaling, and pharmacology of galanin peptides and receptors: three decades of emerging diversity
Pharmacological reviews · 2015 · PubMed

Galanin family peptides (galanin, galanin-like peptide, alarin) have diverse actions in brain and nonneuronal tissues, including neural stem cells, glia, endocrine functions, metabolism, and bone.; Galanin regulates processes through three G protein-coupled receptors (GAL1, GAL2, GAL3) via pathways like inhibition of cAMP/PKA (GAL1, GAL3) and stimulation of phospholipase C (GAL2).; Emerging roles for galanin in innate immunity, inflammation, and cancer have been identified.; Novel tools (e.g., GAL3 knockout mice, viral techniques) are critical for evaluating galanin system physiology and identifying therapeutic targets in human diseases.

Galanin family of peptides in skin function
Experientia supplementum (2012) · 2010 · PubMed

Galanin family peptides (galanin, GMAP, galanin-like peptide, alarin) are produced in neuronal and nonneuronal skin cells.; The skin possesses a neuroendocrine system with locally produced mediators interacting with specific receptors.; Galanin peptides are involved in inflammation and cell proliferation in different skin compartments.

Galanin family of peptides in skin function
Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS · 2008 · PubMed

Galanin family peptides (galanin, GMAP, galanin-like peptide, alarin) are produced in neuronal and nonneuronal skin cells.; The skin possesses a neuroendocrine system with locally produced mediators interacting with specific receptors.; Galanin peptides are involved in regulating inflammation and cell proliferation in the skin.; The review synthesizes data on galanin peptide expression and function across different skin compartments.

Alarin is a vasoactive peptide
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America · 2007 · PubMed
Galanin/GALP and galanin receptors: role in central control of feeding, body weight/obesity and reproduction?
European journal of pharmacology · 2002 · PubMed

Frequently asked questions

What is Galanin peptides?

Galanin peptides, encoded by the GAL gene (P22466), are neuroendocrine hormones widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Their mechanism of action involves binding to three G protein-coupled receptors—GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3—which modulate intracellular signaling cascades, including inhibition

How does Galanin peptides work?

Endocrine hormone of the central and peripheral nervous systems that binds and activates the G protein-coupled receptors GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3. This small neuropeptide may regulate diverse physiologic functions including contraction of smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract, growth hormone and insulin release and adrenal secretion

What is the research status of Galanin peptides?

Galanin peptides is currently classified as experimental, with 24 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.

What is the molecular weight of Galanin peptides?

Galanin peptides has a molecular weight of approximately 180.16 g/mol (formula C6H12O6).

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