G-protein coupled receptor which selectively activates G proteins via ultraviolet A (UVA) light-mediated activation in the skin ( ). Binds both 11-cis retinal and all-trans retinal . Regulates melanogenesis in melanocytes via inhibition of alpha-MSH-induced MC1R-mediated cAMP signaling, modulation of calcium flux, regulation of CAMK2 phosphorylation, and subsequently phosphorylation of CREB, p38, ERK and MITF in response to blue light (, ). Plays a role in melanocyte survival through regulation of intracellular calcium levels and subsequent BCL2/RAF1 signaling . Additionally regulates apoptosis via cytochrome c release and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade . Required for TYR and DCT blue light-induced complex formation in melanocytes . Involved in keratinocyte differentiation in response to blue-light . Required for the UVA-mediated induction of calcium and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling resulting in the expression of MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and TIMP1 in dermal fibroblasts . Plays a role in light-mediated glucose uptake, mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid metabolism in brown adipocyte tissues (By similarity). May be involved in photorelaxation of airway smooth muscle cells, via blue-light dependent GPCR signaling pathways (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane, Cytoplasm
Expressed in tracheal airway smooth muscle (at protein level) . Expressed throughout the epidermis and dermis, predominantly in the basal layer on the facial and abdominal skin (at protein level) . Expressed in dermal fibroblasts (at protein level) . Expressed in melanocytes (at protein level) ( ). Expressed in keratinocytes . Expressed in the retina .