GPR31 and GPR151 are activated under acidic conditions

Recent 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 [35S]GTPγS binding by GPR31-Giα and GPR151-Giα fusion proteins in a narrow range between pH 6 and pH 5. Our reporter gene assays with CHO cells expressing recombinant GPR31 or GPR151 also showed that activation was maximal at approximately pH 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.