Anti-RLBP1

The protein encoded by this gene is a 36-kD water-soluble protein which carries 11-cis-retinaldehyde or 11-cis-retinal as physiologic ligands. It may be a functional component of the visual cycle. Mutations of this gene have been associated with severe rod-cone dystrophy, Bothnia dystrophy (nonsyndromic autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa) and retinitis punctata albescens. Protein function: Soluble retinoid carrier essential the proper function of both rod and cone photoreceptors. Participates in the regeneration of active 11-cis-retinol and 11-cis-retinaldehyde, from the inactive 11-trans products of the rhodopsin photocycle and in the de novo synthesis of these retinoids from 11-trans metabolic precursors. The cycling of retinoids between photoreceptor and adjacent pigment epithelium cells is known as the 'visual cycle'. [The UniProt Consortium]