Title:Regulation of Feeding Behavior and Energy Metabolism by Galanin-like Peptide (GALP): A Novel Strategy to Fight Against Obesity
Volume: 24
Issue: 33
Author(s): Fumiko Takenoya, Satoshi Hirako, Nobuhiro Wada, Naoko Nonaka, Takahiro Hirabayashi, Haruaki Kageyama and Seiji Shioda*
Affiliation:
- Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Peptide Drug Innovation, Tokyo 142-8501,Japan
Keywords:
Feeding regulation, energy metabolism, heat production, neuron network, intranasal infusion, Galanin-like peptide (GALP).
Abstract: Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is composed of 60 amino acid residues and its sequence is highly homologous
across species. GALP is produced in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and has diverse physiological
effects such as the regulation of feeding, energy metabolism, and reproductive behavior. GALP-containing neurons
express leptin receptors and these neurons form networks in the hypothalamus that contain various peptides
that regulate feeding behavior. Recent studies have revealed that GALP has a central anti-obesity action in addition
to its role in food intake regulation. Furthermore, we have found that the respiratory quotient declines shortly
after administration of GALP into the lateral ventricle. This suggests that lipid metabolism is accelerated by
GALP administration, and identifies a new physiological action for this peptide. In this review article, we summarize
our recent research focusing on the mechanism whereby GALP regulates feeding and energy metabolism. We
concentrate on the mechanism of regulation of lipid metabolism in peripheral tissues via the autonomic nervous
system and outline the effectiveness of the nasal administration of GALP and basic research towards its clinical
application.
