The retinol-binding protein receptor STRA6 and melanin cooperatively sustain retinoid signaling and outer blood-retinal barrier integrity

mice, providing evidence that barrier failure arises from impaired retinoid signaling rather than structural loss of STRA6 and melanin. These findings define a novel role for retinoic acid in sustaining RPE barrier function and highlight the combined importance of STRA6-mediated transport and melanin-dependent photoprotection in retinal homeostasis.