GAL Gene (Galanin): Function, Expression, and Disease Associations | Biomedical SEO

The GAL gene encodes preprogalanin, a precursor protein that is proteolytically processed to produce galanin, a 30-amino acid neuropeptide, and other peptides such as galanin message-associated peptide (GMAP). Galanin is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and regulates various physiological processes including pain modulation, cognition, feeding behavior, and neuroendocrine function. It acts through three G-protein-coupled receptors: GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3. Dysregulation of galanin signaling has been implicated in neurological disorders, metabolic conditions, and cancer.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Galanin receptor signaling pathway

• Neuropeptide signaling pathway

• Regulation of insulin secretion

• Pain modulation pathway

Galanin is a 30-amino acid neuropeptide (in humans) derived from preprogalanin. It is amidated at the C-terminus and contains a conserved N-terminal region essential for receptor binding. Galanin interacts with three GPCRs (GALR1-3) to modulate intracellular signaling cascades, including inhibition of adenylate cyclase and activation of MAPK pathways. It is involved in diverse physiological functions, including nociception, learning and memory, feeding, and neuroendocrine regulation. In pathological conditions, galanin can exert neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects depending on context.