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Function

Critical isomerohydrolase in the retinoid cycle involved in regeneration of 11-cis-retinal, the chromophore of rod and cone opsins. Catalyzes the cleavage and isomerization of all-trans-retinyl fatty acid esters to 11-cis-retinol which is further oxidized by 11-cis retinol dehydrogenase to 11-cis-retinal for use as visual chromophore (PubMed:16116091). Essential for the production of 11-cis retinal for both rod and cone photoreceptors (PubMed:17848510). Also capable of catalyzing the isomerization of lutein to meso-zeaxanthin an eye-specific carotenoid (PubMed:28874556). The soluble form binds vitamin A (all-trans-retinol), making it available for LRAT processing to all-trans-retinyl ester. The membrane form, palmitoylated by LRAT, binds all-trans-retinyl esters, making them available for IMH (isomerohydrolase) processing to all-cis-retinol. The soluble form is regenerated by transferring its palmitoyl groups onto 11-cis-retinol, a reaction catalyzed by LRAT (By similarity).

Involvement in disease

Leber congenital amaurosis 2

LCA2

A severe dystrophy of the retina, typically becoming evident in the first years of life. Visual function is usually poor and often accompanied by nystagmus, sluggish or near-absent pupillary responses, photophobia, high hyperopia and keratoconus.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Retinitis pigmentosa 20

RP20

A retinal dystrophy belonging to the group of pigmentary retinopathies. Retinitis pigmentosa is characterized by retinal pigment deposits visible on fundus examination and primary loss of rod photoreceptor cells followed by secondary loss of cone photoreceptors. Patients typically have night vision blindness and loss of midperipheral visual field. As their condition progresses, they lose their far peripheral visual field and eventually central vision as well.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Retinitis pigmentosa 87 with choroidal involvement

RP87

A form of retinitis pigmentosa, a retinal dystrophy belonging to the group of pigmentary retinopathies. Retinitis pigmentosa is characterized by retinal pigment deposits visible on fundus examination and primary loss of rod photoreceptor cells followed by secondary loss of cone photoreceptors. Patients typically have night vision blindness and loss of midperipheral visual field. RP87 is an autosomal dominant form characterized by a slowly progressive visual disturbance accompanied by extensive choroid/retinal atrophy that mimics certain aspects of choroideremia. Disease severity and age of onset are variable, and some carriers are unaffected.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Post-translational modifications

Palmitoylation by LRAT regulates ligand binding specificity; the palmitoylated form (membrane form) specifically binds all-trans-retinyl-palmitate, while the soluble unpalmitoylated form binds all-trans-retinol (vitamin A) (By similarity).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the carotenoid oxygenase family.

Tissue specificity

Retina (at protein level). Retinal pigment epithelium specific.

Cellular localization

  • Cytoplasm
  • Cell membrane
  • Lipid-anchor
  • Microsome membrane
  • Attached to the membrane by a lipid anchor when palmitoylated (membrane form), soluble when unpalmitoylated. Undergoes light-dependent intracellular transport to become more concentrated in the central region of the retina pigment epithelium cells.

Alternative names

Retinoid isomerohydrolase, All-trans-retinyl-palmitate hydrolase, Lutein isomerase, Meso-zeaxanthin isomerase, Retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein, Retinol isomerase, RPE65

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Developmental Biology

Molecular weight

60948Da

We found 7 products in 1 category

Primary Antibodies

Search our catalogue for 'RPE65' (7)

Products

ab231782

Anti-RPE65 antibody [EPR22579-44]

Recombinant
RabMAb
Advanced Validation
20ul selling size

ab254247

Anti-RPE65 antibody [EPR22579-44] - BSA and Azide free

Recombinant
RabMAb
Advanced Validation