Satellite glial GPR37L1 and its ligand maresin 1 regulate potassium channel signaling and pain homeostasis.
G protein-coupled receptor 37-like 1 (GPR37L1) is an orphan GPCR, and its function remains largely unknown. Here we report that Gpr37l1 and GPR37L1 are among the most highly expressed GPCR transcripts in mouse and human dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and are selectively expressed in satellite glial cells (SGCs). Peripheral neuropathy following PTX-induced pain resulted in a downregulation of GPR37L1 plasma membrane expression in DRGs. Transgenic mice with Gpr37l1 deficiency exhibited impaired resolution of neuropathic pain symptoms following PTX-induced pain, whereas overexpression of Gpr37l1 in mouse DRGs reversed pain. GPR37L1 regulates the surface expression and function of these potassium channels. Thus, GPR37L1 in SGCs offers a new target for neuropathy protection and pain control. Overall design: To investigate the function of GPR37L1 in the DRG during pain, we established PTX injection mice and collected DRG at 4 weeks in WT and Gpr37L1 KO mice.