Regulation of Energy Homeostasis by GALP

The hypothalamus plays very important roles in regulation of feeding behavior, energy metabolism and reproduction. Galanin-like peptide (GALP) was discovered in porcine hypothalamus and has 60 amino acid peptide and a non-amidated C-terminus. GALP is shown to be produced in neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. GALP-producing neurons make neuronal networks with several feeding-related peptide-containing neurons in the hypothalamus. Since GALP controls food intake and energy balance, it is assumed that GALP is an important neuropeptide to regulate body weight. Furthermore, GALP is known to regulate plasma LH levels through activation of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-producing neurons in the hypothalamus, suggesting that GALP plays some important roles in the reproductive system. This review will attempt to summarize the research on these topics especially on energy metabolism and reproduction.