NRL (gene)Neural retina-specific leucine zipper protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NRL gene.FunctionThis 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 photoreceptor cell development and function. Mutations in this gene have been associated with retinitis pigmentosa and degenerative diseases of the retina.