Regulator Of G Protein Signaling 9 Binding Protein (RGS9BP)

RGS9BP functions as a regulator of G protein-coupled receptor signaling in phototransduction. Studies in bovine and mouse show that this gene is expressed only in the retina, and is localized in the rod outer segment membranes. This protein is associated with a heterotetrameric complex, specifically interacting with the regulator of G-protein signaling 9, and appears to function as the membrane anchor for the other largely soluble interacting partners. Mutations in this gene are associated with prolonged electroretinal response suppression (PERRS), also known as bradyopsia. The deduced R9AP protein contains 235 amino acids and has a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Northern blot analysis of several bovine and mouse tissues detected R9ap expression only in retina.