Orphan nuclear receptor of retinal photoreceptor cells. Transcriptional factor that is an activator of rod development and repressor of cone development. Binds the promoter region of a number of rod- and cone-specific genes, including rhodopsin, M- and S-opsin and rod-specific phosphodiesterase beta subunit. Enhances rhodopsin expression. Represses M- and S-cone opsin expression. Homodimer. Interacts with PIAS3; the interaction sumoylates NR2E3 and promotes repression of cone-specific gene transcription and activation of rod-specific genes (By similarity). Component of a complex that includes NR2E3, PIAS3, NRL, CRX and/or NR1D1. Binds NR1D1. Binds directly in the complex with CRX, PIAS3 and NR1D1 (By similarity). Interacts (via the DNA-binding domain) with CRX (via its DNA binding domain); the interaction represses S- and M-cone opsin expression. Eye specific; found solely in the outer nuclear layer of the adult neurosensory retina, where the nuclei of cone and rod photoreceptors reside. Di- and tri-sumoylated in developing retina. PIAS3-mediated sumoylation promotes repression of cone-specific gene expression and activation of rod-specific genes. Sumoylation on Lys-185 appears to be the main site (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 nuclear hormone receptor family. NR2 subfamily. Retina International's Scientific Newsletter