This gene encodes an extracellular protein that plays a crucial role in the cellular organization of the retina. The encoded protein is assembled and secreted from photoreceptors and bipolar cells as a homo-oligomeric protein complex. Mutations in this gene are responsible for X-linked retinoschisis, a common, early-onset macular degeneration in males that results in a splitting of the inner layers of the retina and severe loss in vision. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2008]