MOLECULAR-CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW RECEPTOR FOR GALANIN

Galanin (GAL) is a widely distributed neuropeptide ,vith diverse biolo gical effects including modulation of hormone release, antinociception and modification of feeding behavior. Its effects are mediated throug h G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) for which only a single type has been cloned, GAL receptor 1 (GALR1). We describe the cloning of a seco nd galanin receptor type, GALR2, from rat hypothalamus. The GALR2 amin o acid sequence is 38% identical to GALR1 and is pharmacologically sim ilar to GALR1 when expressed in COS-7 cells. GALR2 is encoded by a sin gle gene containing at least one intron and expressed in a diverse ran ge of tissues. (C) 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.