This gene encodes a seven-transmembrane G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) class A family member. Although categorized as a class A GPCR, the encoded protein lacks the first two charged amino acids of the highly conserved Asp-Arg-Tyr (DRY) motif found in the third transmembrane helix of class A receptors which is important for efficient G protein-coupled signal transduction. Mice with a knockout of the orthologous gene are viable and have normal maturation of the ovarian follicle, but show enhanced fertility and ovulation. All GPCRs have a common structural architecture consisting of seven transmembrane alpha-helices interconnected by three extracellular and three intracellular loops. A general feature of GPCR signaling is agonist-induced conformational changes in the receptor, leading to activation of the heterotrimeric G proteins, which consist of the guanine nucleotide-binding G-alpha subunit and the dimeric G-beta-gamma subunits. The activated G proteins then bind to and activate numerous downstream effector proteins, which generate second messengers that mediate a broad range of cellular and physiological processes. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2017]
