Galanin Receptors: G Protein-Dependent Signaling and Beyond

The G protein-coupled galanin receptors include three different subtypes: galanin receptor 1, 2 and 3 (GalR1, GalR2, GalR3). The neuropeptide galanin is the principal natural agonist of the galanin receptors, the so-called galaninergic system. Galanin-like peptide and spexin have also been identified as natural ligands of the galanin receptors. Galanin receptors are widely expressed in the brain; however, they can be found in other tissues, such as the skeletal muscle, the heart, and the gastrointestinal tract. The galaninergic system regulates diverse biological processes, including feeding behavior, neuroprotection, learning, memory, cardiovascular and renal function, and nociception. Its dysregulation is associated with various diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, depression, and cancer. The stimulation of GalR1 and GalR3 leads to the Gαi/o-type G protein-mediated inhibition of cyclic AMP/protein kinase A, whereas GalR2 stimulation initiates phospholipase C activation via Gαq/11-type G proteins. A galanin-activated β-arrestin-dependent pathway has also been described for GalR2. In this review, we summarize the recent advances concerning galanin receptor signaling, including both the G protein-dependent and -independent pathways. A better understanding of the complex interplay of the signaling molecules, receptors, and various signaling pathways is crucial for the future development of specific agonists with therapeutic potential.