C1qtnf5 - C1q and tumor necrosis factor related protein 5

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 anterior 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]