This gene encodes a basic motif-leucine zipper transcription factor of the Maf subfamily. The encoded protein is conserved among vertebrates and is a critical intrinsic regulator of photoceptor development and function. Mutations in this gene have been associated with retinitis pigmentosa and retinal degenerative diseases.NRL (Neural Retina Leucine Zipper) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with NRL include Retinitis Pigmentosa 27 and Retinal Degeneration Autosomal Recessive Clumped Pigment Type. Among its related pathways are Tacrolimus/Cyclosporine Pathway, Pharmacodynamics. GO annotations related to this gene include transcription factor activity, sequence-specific DNA binding and RNA polymerase II core promoter proximal region sequence-specific DNA binding. An important paralog of this gene is MAFA.