This gene encodes an enzyme belonging to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family. This retinol dehydrogenase functions to catalyze the final step in the biosynthesis of 11-cis retinaldehyde, which is the universal chromophore of visual pigments. Mutations in this gene cause autosomal recessive fundus albipunctatus, a rare form of night blindness that is characterized by a delay in the regeneration of cone and rod photopigments. [provided by RefSeq
Other Designations:
11-cis RDH,9-cis-retinol specific dehydrogenase,retinol dehydrogenase 1,retinol dehydrogenase 5 (11-cis and 9-cis),short chain dehydrogenase/reductase family 9C, member 5