G-protein coupled receptor which selectively activates G proteins via ultraviolet A (UVA) light-mediated activation in the skin (PubMed:28842328, PubMed:31380578, PubMed:31097585). Binds both 11-cis retinal and all-trans retinal (PubMed:31097585). 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 (PubMed:28842328, PubMed:31097585). Plays a role in melanocyte survival through regulation of intracellular calcium levels and subsequent BCL2/RAF1 signaling (PubMed:31730232). Additionally regulates apoptosis via cytochrome c release and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade (PubMed:31730232). Required for TYR and DCT blue light-induced complex formation in melanocytes (PubMed:28842328). Involved in keratinocyte differentiation in response to blue-light (PubMed:30168605). 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 (PubMed:31380578). 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). Interacts with MC1R; the interaction results in a decrease in MC1R-mediated cAMP signaling and ultimately a decrease in melanin production in melanocytes. Expressed in tracheal airway smooth muscle (at protein level) (PubMed:30284927). Expressed throughout the epidermis and dermis, predominantly in the basal layer on the facial and abdominal skin (at protein level) (PubMed:30168605). Expressed in dermal fibroblasts (at protein level) (PubMed:31380578). Expressed in melanocytes (at protein level) (PubMed:28842328, PubMed:31097585, PubMed:31730232). Expressed in keratinocytes (PubMed:28842328). Expressed in the retina (PubMed:30284927). Induced by low-level blue light (453nm) during epithelial wound healing (PubMed:30168605). Induced by ultraviolet A light in dermal fibroblasts (PubMed:31380578). Belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family. Opsin subfamily.