Norrin

For the Marvel Comics character whose real name was Norrin Radd, see Silver Surfer.

Norrin, also known as Norrie disease protein or X-linked exudative vitreoretinopathy 2 protein (EVR2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NDP gene. Mutations in the NDP gene are associated with the Norrie disease.

Function

Signaling induced by the protein Norrin regulates vascular development of vertebrate retina and controls important blood vessels in the ear. Norrin binds with high affinity to Frizzled 4, and Frizzled 4 knockout mice exhibit abnormal vascular development of the retina.

Clinical significance

NDP is the genetic locus identified as harboring mutations that result in Norrie disease. Norrie disease is a rare genetic disorder characterized by bilateral congenital blindness that is caused by a vascularized mass behind each lens due to a maldeveloped retina (pseudoglioma).

External links

• GeneReviews/NIH/NCBI/UW entry on NDP-Related Retinopathies