| abstract |
The present invention provides a novel galanin receptor protein, the GalR2 receptor. Also provided are the nucleic acid sequences encoding this novel receptor protein as well as methods for using this protein and its nucleic acid sequence, and methods useful for developing and identifying compounds for the treatment of diseases and disorders in which galanin is implicated. The importance of this discovery is manifested in the effects of galanin, which include antinociceptive activity, smooth muscle contraction, cardiovascular activity, pituitary hormone release, cognition, and increased food intake. Thus, this receptor protein is useful for screening for galanin agonist and antagonist activity for controlling these conditions. |