Galanin and galanin message-associated peptide prepropeptide (GAL)

Galanin and galanin message-associated peptide prepropeptide (GAL) is a peptide-encoding precursor protein expressed widely in the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as several endocrine tissues. This precursor is proteolytically processed to yield two neuropeptides: galanin—an important neuromodulator regulating pain, cognition, feeding, metabolism, and neuroendocrine signaling—and GMAP—which has unique roles in modulating spinal reflexes and innate immune responses. Galanin exerts its physiological effects via three G protein-coupled receptors (GALR1–3). Dysregulation of GAL-derived peptides is implicated in diverse diseases including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, cancer, and metabolic disorders. GAL and its receptors are considered promising but complex therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases, though clinical translation faces challenges due to their pleiotropic actions and inter-tissue distribution[1][2][3][4].

Other names

GalaninGalanin peptidesGalanin message-associated peptideGMAPGAL1GALNGLNNGAL-GMAPgalanin-message-associated peptidegalanin prepropeptidegalanin-related peptidegalanin/GMAP prepropeptideGalanin-like peptideETL8

Drugs and endogenous galanin peptides bind to galanin receptors (GALR1, GALR2, GALR3), GPCRs, modulating intracellular second messengers (e.g., cAMP, calcium). Agonists or antagonists can modulate neurotransmitter release, neuroprotection, or neuroendocrine function depending on receptor subtype.