Acts as a transcriptional activator which regulates the expression of several rod-specific genes, including RHO and PDE6B (PubMed:21981118). Functions also as a transcriptional coactivator, stimulating transcription mediated by the transcription factor CRX and NR2E3 (PubMed:17335001). Binds in a sequence-specific manner to the rhodopsin promoter (PubMed:17335001). Interacts with FIZ1; this interaction represses transactivation (By similarity). Interacts (via the leucine-zipper domain) with CRX (PubMed:10887186). Expressed in the brain and the retina (PubMed:11477108). Expressed strongly in rod and cone cells (at protein level) (PubMed:11477108). The minimal transactivation domain (MTD) is conserved across the MAF family, it may activate transcription by recruiting TBP and associated factors at the promoters of target genes. Phosphorylated (PubMed:11477108, PubMed:17335001). Disumoylated at Lys-20. Sumoylation modulates the transcriptional activity of NRL on RHO and NR2E3 promoters, and is required for normal rod differentiation (By similarity). The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the bZIP family. Retina International's Scientific Newsletter