This gene encodes the carrier protein involved in the transport of retinol (vitamin A alcohol) from the liver storage site to peripheral tissue. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for growth, reproduction, differentiation of epithelial tissues, and vision. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2008] see less This gene encodes the carrier protein involved in the transport of retinol (vitamin A alcohol) from the liver storage site to peripheral tissue. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for growth, reproduction, differentiation of epithelial tissues, and vision. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2008]