Receptor activated by amino acids with a preference for basic amino acids such as L-Lys, L-Arg and L-ornithine but also by small and polar amino acids. The L-alpha amino acids respond is augmented by divalent cations Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). Activated by extracellular calcium and osteocalcin. Seems to act through a G(q)/G(11) and G(i)-coupled pathway. Mediates the non-genomic effects of androgens in multiple tissue. May coordinate nutritional and hormonal anabolic signals through the sensing of extracellular amino acids, osteocalcin, divalent ions and its responsiveness to anabolic steroids (By similarity). Homodimer; disulfide-linked. High expression in soft palate. Weak expression in kidney, liver, lung and brain. No expression detected in heart, testis, skeletal muscle amd spleen. N-glycosylated. Belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor 3 family.