NRL is a nuclear transcription factor that belongs to the Maf subfamily within the bZIP (basic motif-leucine zipper) transcription factor family. It contains an N-terminal transcriptional activation domain and a C-terminal DNA-binding bZIP domain that is also involved in homo- or heterodimerization. NRL is expressed specifically in rod photoreceptors and regulates the expression of rod-specific genes. NRL is phosphorylated at multiple sites. Mutations in NRL are associated with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa.