Receptor for tyrosine, L-DOPA and dopamine. After binding to L-DOPA, stimulates Ca(2+) influx into the cytoplasm, increases secretion of the neurotrophic factor SERPINF1 and relocalizes beta arrestin at the plasma membrane; this ligand-dependent signaling occurs through a G(q)-mediated pathway in melanocytic cells. Its activity is mediated by G proteins which activate the phosphoinositide signaling pathway. Also plays a role as an intracellular G protein-coupled receptor involved in melanosome biogenesis, organization and transport. Interacts with heterotrimeric G(i) proteins. Interacts with ARRB1 and ARRB2. Interacts with MLANA (By similarity). Distributed throughout the endo-melanosomal system but most of endogenous protein is localized in unpigmented stage II melanosomes. Its expression on the apical cell membrane is sensitive to tyrosine. The cytoplasmic domain 3 and the C-terminus tail domain contain the lysosomal sorting signals and are necessary and sufficient for intracellular retention and delivery to lysosomal and melanosomal, respectively in melanocytic and non-melanocytic cells. Glycosylated. Phosphorylated. Belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor OA family.