This gene encodes a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family. The encoded protein catalyzes the reduction of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol, the first reaction step of the rhodopsin regeneration pathway. This enzymatic reaction is the rate-limiting step in the visual cycle. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2014] see less This gene encodes a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family. The encoded protein catalyzes the reduction of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol, the first reaction step of the rhodopsin regeneration pathway. This enzymatic reaction is the rate-limiting step in the visual cycle. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2014]