Members of the C1q superfamily have diverse functions that are related to cell adhesion and basement membrane components. CTRP5 (Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 5) is a 243 amino acid secreted and membrane-associated protein that contains a collagen-like domain and a C1q domain. CTRP5 is a short-chain collagen that is expressed in retinal pigment epithelium as well as brain, lung, liver and placenta. By forming an extracellular hexagonal lattice, CTRP5 facilitates the adhesion of basal retinal pigment epithelium to Bruch??s membrane, the innermost layer of the choroid. A mutation within the C1q domain of CTRP5 results in abnormal high molecular weight aggregate formation, which alters its structure and interactions. This mutation may result in the presentation of late-onset retinal degeneration (LORD), an autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by punctate yellow-white deposits in the retinal fundus and night blindness.

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