Acts as a high-affinity cell-surface receptor for retinol-binding protein RBP4 and mediates RBP4-dependent retinol uptake in the liver. Highly expressed in liver and small intestine. Also expressed in spleen, kidney, colon, stomach, placenta, adipose tissue and isolated adipocytes. Induced in adipose tissue after high fat diet. Down-regulated by holo-RBP4, retinol and retinoic acid. Glycosylated.