The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the C1q/tumor necrosis factor superfamily. This family member is a secretory protein that functions in eye development. Mutations in this gene are thought to underlie the pathophysiology of late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD) and early-onset long a
nterior zonules (LAZ). Bicistronic transcripts composed of the coding sequences for this gene (C1qtnf5) and the membrane-type frizzled-related protein gene (Mfrp) have been identified, and the resulting products can interact with each other. Co-transcription of C1qtnf5 and Mfrp has been observed in both human and mouse. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jun 2010]
The protein encoded by this gene contains a region with similarity to the cysteine-rich domain (CRD) of frizzled, a gene originally found in Drosophila that controls tissue polarity. This protein functions in eye development, where it is necessary for the maintenance of photoreceptor outer segments.
Mutations in this gene cause retinal degeneration 6 in mice, which gives rise to a mouse model for human retinitis punctata albescens. Bicistronic transcripts composed of the coding sequences for this gene (Mfrp) and the C1q and tumor necrosis factor related protein 5 gene (C1qtnf5) have been identified, and the resulting products can interact with each other. Co-transcription of C1qtnf5 and Mfrp has been observed in both human and mouse. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jun 2010]