Photoreceptor disc component PRCD (PRCD)

Photoreceptor disc component PRCD (PRCD) is a small, membrane-associated protein (54 amino acids in humans/dogs, 53 in mice) localized specifically to the disc membranes of photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in the retina[3][5]. PRCD plays a critical role in photoreceptor disc morphogenesis, ensuring newly forming discs remain flat as they extend from the plasma membrane. It is tightly anchored to the cytosolic surface of the disc via S-acylation of its N-terminal cysteine[2][3]. PRCD interacts directly with rhodopsin, a key visual pigment, which supports its intracellular stability and function[2][3]. Mutations in PRCD are a major genetic cause of inherited retinal degeneration, notably progressive rod-cone degeneration/retinitis pigmentosa, in both humans and dogs. In individuals lacking functional PRCD, the photoreceptor disc architecture is disrupted, leading to the formation of abnormal vesicles, microglial migration, and gradual photoreceptor cell death, culminating in blindness over time[1][7]. PRCD is highly expressed in the retina, and its function and localization are essential and specific to retinal biology; no expression is reported in other tissues[3][5].

Other names

PRCDProgressive rod-cone degeneration proteinRP36Photoreceptor disk component PRCDProgressive rod-cone degenerationRP36 protein

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