The RIBEYE protein is a core structural component of the synaptic ribbon in retinal bipolar cells and photoreceptor cells. It is one of two isoforms (the shorter B-domain-deficient variant) encoded by the CTBP2 gene through an alternative promoter. Functioning as a scaffold protein of the synaptic ribbon, RIBEYE interacts with other synaptic components (such as RIM and Piccolo) via its unique N-terminal A-domain, while its C-terminal D-domain鈥攈omologous to CTBP1/2鈥攎ediates dimerization and may participate in metabolic regulation. This protein plays a crucial role in synaptic vesicle tethering, organizing release sites, and coordinating calcium signaling. Mutations in RIBEYE are associated with retinal disorders and hearing impairments. Research on RIBEYE provides insights into the mechanisms of specialized synaptic transmission and the pathological basis of neuro-sensory diseases.
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