Characterization of galanin receptors using chimeric peptides and site-directed mutagenesis

Abstract: Galanin, a 29 (30) amino acid neuropeptide, is found throughout both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It signals via three receptors, GalR1-3, all belonging to the rhodopsin-like G-protein coupled receptors. Galanin and its receptors have been implicated in a vast variety of biological processes. To facilitate further characterization of the physiological/pathological roles of galanin, subtype selective ligands targeting the three receptors individually would be of great aid.In this thesis the main objective was to provide more information about galanin receptor-ligand interactions, primarily concerning GalR2 and 3.  By using information gained from previously developed chimeric peptides, we designed and synthesized a novel peptide selective towards GalR2 (Paper I). This peptide, M871, binds GalR2 in an inhibitory manner, likely due to its truncated N-terminus and bulky character. In Paper II and IV we performed L-alanine mutagenesis assays of GalR2 and 3 respectively. By point substituting amino acid residues in the receptor sequence, we identified crucial pharmacophores for ligand binding, primarily in transmembrane regions 6 and 7. The targeted residues were selected based on knowledge concerning GalR1 and on conservation between the three receptors. For GalR3 we also conducted a computational docking assay. A homology model was first constructed using three crystallized structures of other receptors also belonging to the Rhodopsin family. Ligands galanin(2-6) and SNAP398299 were then docked to GalR3 in flexible mode. The docking resulted in characterization of GalR3-ligand interactions and conclude that this receptor display a relatively deep and narrow binding pocket. As a result of this, it was hypothesized that the C-terminus of ligands is of importance for GalR3 affinity. An L-alanine scan of ligand was performed (paper III), which confirmed this theory.In conclusion, our results give insights into galanin receptor-ligand interactions, information that is relevant for ligand design and drug development.