GALR- Galanin Receptor | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background:

Galanin is a 29-amino acid peptide that acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the central and peripheral nervous systems receptors (GALRs) are a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate the biological effects of galanin, a neuropeptide involved in the regulation of diverse physiological processes in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Dysregulation of GALR signaling is implicated in various diseases, making these receptors attractive targets for drug development and therapeutic intervention.. Galanin receptors were first identified in the early 1990s through molecular cloning techniques aimed at characterizing the receptors for the neuropeptide galanin. GALRs are expressed in various regions of the central nervous system, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. They are also found in peripheral tissues, such as the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and cardiovascular system. GALRs are primarily activated by the neuropeptide galanin, which binds to all three receptor subtypes with varying affinities.Synthetic galanin analogs with enhanced potency and selectivity for specific GALR subtypes have been developed for research and therapeutic purposes.

Structural Features:

• Transmembrane Protein: GALRs are seven-transmembrane domain receptors, characteristic of GPCRs.
• Topology: They consist of an extracellular N-terminus, seven transmembrane helices connected by intracellular and extracellular loops, and an intracellular C-terminus.
• Binding Site: The ligand-binding pocket for galanin is located within the transmembrane domain.

Subtypes and Classification:

• There are three main subtypes of GALRs: GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3.
• Each subtype exhibits distinct pharmacological properties, signaling pathways, and tissue distribution patterns.

Physiological Functions:

Neuromodulation: GALRs modulate neurotransmitter release, synaptic transmission, and neuronal excitability in various regions of the central nervous system.

Pain Regulation: GALRs are involved in the modulation of pain processing, with both pro-nociceptive and anti-nociceptive effects observed depending on the receptor subtype and the context of pain.

Regulation of Neuroendocrine Function: GALRs influence the release of hormones and neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of endocrine and autonomic functions.

Regulation of Mood and Behavior: GALRs have been implicated in the regulation of mood, anxiety, depression, and stress responses.

Clinical Implications:

• Neurological Disorders: Dysregulation of GALR signaling has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and anxiety disorders.
• Pain Disorders: GALRs are potential targets for the development of novel analgesic drugs for the treatment of chronic pain conditions.
• Metabolic Disorders: GALRs may play roles in the regulation of energy balance, glucose homeostasis, and food intake, making them potential targets for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome.