Involved in both the retinal photoreceptor ribbon synapse formation and physiological functions of visual perception. Plays a key role in the synaptic organization of photoreceptors by mediating transsynaptic interaction between alpha-dystroglycan and GPR179 on the postsynaptic membrane. Necessary for proper bipolar dendritic tip apposition to the photoreceptor ribbon synapse. Promotes matrix assembly and cell adhesiveness.
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Extracellular space, Extracellular matrix, Synaptic cleft, Presynaptic active zone
Detected in the synaptic cleft of the ribbon synapse around the postsynaptic terminals of bipolar cells. Colocalizes with BSN, CTBP2 and DAG1 in photoreceptor synaptic terminals.