Galanin receptors
galanin receptors
The galanin receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor, or metabotropic receptor which binds galanin.  Galanin receptors can be found throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems and the endocrine system. So far three subtypes are known to exist: GAL-R1, GAL-R2, and GAL-R3. The specific function of each subtype remains to be fully elucidated, although as of 2009 great progress is currently being made in this respect with the generation of receptor subtype-specific knockout mice, and the first selective ligands for galanin receptor subtypes. Selective galanin agonists are anticonvulsant, while antagonists produce antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in animals, so either agonist or antagonist ligands for the galanin receptors may be potentially therapeutic compounds in humans.