LPAR5 is a receptor for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a mediator of diverse cellular activities. As a G protein-coupled receptor, it transmits extracellular signals from LPA to the cell through heterotrimeric G proteins, and in this way it mediates numerous cellular processes. The protein is found at the cell membrane, where it is positioned to detect extracellular ligand.

The LPAR5 gene encodes a member of the rhodopsin class of G protein-coupled transmembrane receptors and belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor 1 family. HGNC places it in the lysophosphatidic acid receptors gene group, alongside family members such as LPAR1, LPAR3 and LPAR4. Transcript variants of this gene have been described. A mouse ortholog, Lpar5, is recorded for the gene.

The receptor has been known under several names. Its previous HGNC name was G protein-coupled receptor 92, and its aliases include GPR92, GPR93, LPA5 and KPG_010. These names reflect its early classification as an orphan receptor before LPA was identified as its ligand, and they are worth searching when reviewing older literature on the LPAR5 gene or protein.

Many G protein-coupled receptors serve as targets for pharmaceutical drugs, which is part of the broader interest in LPA receptors such as LPAR5 as subjects of signalling research.