Stimulated by retinoic acid 6 (STRA6)

The **stimulated by retinoic acid 6** receptor (**STRA6**) is a multi-pass membrane protein that functions as the principal cell-surface receptor for plasma retinol-binding protein (RBP), facilitating the uptake of vitamin A (retinol) from the blood into specific target cells. STRA6 is most critical in the retina for the visual cycle, but is also expressed in other tissues. STRA6 binding to holo-RBP regulates vitamin A availability for developmental, metabolic, and visual functions. Mutations in STRA6 cause a spectrum of developmental disorders including anophthalmia, cardiac defects, and mental retardation. Elevated circulating RBP can signal through STRA6 to impair insulin action, linking it to metabolic syndrome.

Other names

STRA6vitamin A receptorRBP receptorretinol-binding protein receptorretinol-transporter receptor

Facilitates uptake of vitamin A from retinol-binding protein into cells; Receptor binding of holo-RBP triggers vitamin A internalization and can activate intracellular signaling; STRA6-mediated JAK/STAT pathway activation in some tissues