Galanin
Also known as: galanin peptide, GAL peptide, GAL, porcine galanin
Galanin is a neuropeptide that in humans contains 30 amino acids and is cut from a precursor called galanin peptides. It is listed in the cognitive category on this site for research information only, and it is found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Related sequences recorded in rats, mice, and zebrafish make it a common subject for comparisons across species.
Quick Reference
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Overview
Pharmaceutical compound
Galanin is a neuropeptide encoded by the GAL gene, that is widely expressed in the brain, spinal cord, and gut of humans as well as other mammals. Galanin signaling occurs through three G protein-coupled receptors.
Mechanism of Action
Galanin produces its effects by binding to three receptors that belong to the G protein coupled family, named GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3. Reference records connect this signaling to many processes now under study, including contraction of smooth muscle in the digestive and urinary tracts and control over release of growth hormone, insulin, and adrenal hormones. Because each receptor appears to play a different part, researchers are building tools that act on only one subtype at a time.
Research History
Work on galanin has focused on where this small signaling peptide appears in the nervous system and on the three receptors it can act on. Comparing the human form with animal forms helped establish galanin as a model system for nerve, gut, and hormone related signaling. A recent line of work uses the related peptide spexin and modified versions of it to target single galanin receptor types more precisely, particularly in pain research models.
What Researchers Are Saying
Community Reports - Not Medical Advice
The following is aggregated from public forums, Reddit, and research communities. These are anecdotal reports from researchers only - not verified clinical data and not a recommendation of any kind.
Galanin (also known as galanin peptide, GAL peptide) is studied within the cognitive function and neuroprotection research community. Neuropeptide studied for pain modulation, memory function, and mood regulation.
Last updated October 28, 2026
Research status: limited. Galanin appears across cognitive function and neuroprotection research forums and academic literature. Researchers note this compound falls in the cognitive category.
Last updated October 28, 2026
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