Protein Domain : Galanin receptor family IPR000405

Type	Family
Description	Galanin is involved in a variety of physiological mechanisms and disease states, from appetite and neuroregeneration to seizures and pain [ , ]. The actions of galanin are mediated through interaction with specific membrane receptors. Three receptor subtypes have been identified; Galanin receptor 1 (GALR1), Galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) and Galanin receptor 3 (GAL3), all of which are rhodopsin-like GPCRs. They differ from one another in terms of their expression patterns, affinity for various peptide analogues and G protein-coupling specificity [, , ]. In signaling, all can act via the Gi/o class [], whilst GAL2 also has Gq/11 as a major signaling route []. Galanin receptors are widely distributed in a wide range of central nervous system (CNS), peripheral tissues and in the endocrine, mirroring the distribution of galanin [ , ]. Galanin receptors mediate a variety of physiological functions including inhibition of glucose-induced insulin secretion [], stimulation of growth hormone release [] and modulation of gastrointestinal motility []. These receptors also modulate neuronal functions including memory, nociception, spinal reflexes and feeding [, ]. Disruption of galanin expression or galanin receptor signaling is seen in many multifactoral conditions, suggesting a role in the development and/or pathology of certain diseases. These include Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, diabetes, alcoholism, neuropathic pain and cancer [, , ]. This entry represents the galanin receptor family, it also includes an insect allatostatin receptor, which is similar to mammalian galanin receptors [ ].
Short Name	Galanin_rcpt