GPR31 and GPR151 are activated under acidic conditions

yRecent studies have revealed that not only proton-sensing channels, but also one family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprising OGR1, GPR4, G2A and TDAG8 are responsible for the sensing of extracellular protons, or pH. Here, we report that two other GPCRs, GPR31 and GPR151, were also activated in acidic condition. Elevated pH of assay mixtures resulted in a remarkable increase in [S-35]GTP gamma S binding by GPR31-Gi alpha and GPR151-Gi alpha fusion proteins in a narrow range between pH 6 and 5. Our reporter gene assays with CHO cells expressing recombinant GPR31 or GPR151 also showed that activation was maximal at pH similar to 5.8. Although these results from in vitro and cellular assays revealed slightly different pH sensitivities, all of our results indicated that GPR31 and GPR151 sensed extracellular protons equally well as other proton-sensing GPCRs.