Sequence analysis, cellular localization, and expression of a neuroretina adhesion and cell survival molecule.

A cDNA for purpurin, a secreted 20,000 dalton neural retina cell adhesion and survival protein, has been sequenced and expressed in mammalian cells. Purpurin mRNA is found in both embryonic and adult retina, but not the brain, heart, or liver. The protein is highly concentrated in the neural retina between the pigmented epithelium and the outer segments of the photoreceptor cells; it is synthesized by photoreceptor cells. The predicted purpurin sequence contains 196 residues, has approximately 50% sequence homology with serum retinol binding protein, and is a member of the alpha-2 mu-globulin superfamily. Purpurin binds retinol and may play a major role in retinol transport across the interphotoreceptor cell matrix.