The GPR119 receptor protein is a G protein-coupled receptor that is expressed in the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract and sebaceous glands, among others. Ligands of this receptor protein are the endogenous fatty acid ethanolamides oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). The recptor functions as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic receptor . Its activity is mediated by G proteins that activate adenylate cyclase.
GPR119 has also been shown to regulate the secretion of the hormones incretin and insulin (Ning Y et al. 2008). Furthermore, GPR119 was shown to be downregulated in the sebaceous glands of patients with acne. This may indicate that GPR119 signaling is impaired in acne. Apparently, the OEA/GPR119 signaling pathway is considered a positive regulator of sebocyte differentiation. Dysregulation of this pathway could contribute to the development of seborrhea and acne (Markovics A et al. 2020).