Galanin Receptor Type 2 (GALR2) Antibody

Background

GALR2 is a G protein-coupled receptor for the neuropeptide galanin that can couple to both Gi/o and Gq/11 proteins, allowing it to activate diverse signaling pathways. Through Gi/o coupling, GALR2 inhibits cAMP production, whereas Gq/11 coupling activates phospholipase C (PLC), leading to calcium mobilization and protein kinase C (PKC) activation. GALR2 is highly expressed in the CNS, particularly in the hypothalamus, amygdala, and dorsal root ganglia, where it regulates pain transmission, feeding behavior, and neuroprotection. GALR2 plays a pro-survival role in neurodegenerative conditions by promoting neuronal growth and survival in response to injury. In the peripheral nervous system, GALR2 mediates pain signaling, including both pro- and anti-nociceptive effects depending on tissue and receptor localization. GALR2 also promotes angiogenesis, proliferation, and survival in various cancers, including head and neck cancers, where its overexpression is associated with tumor progression. Dysregulation of GALR2 contributes to mood disorders, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain, making it a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases, mood regulation, and cancer therapy.