TYRP1 : tyrosinase related protein 1
Description
The TYRP1 (tyrosinase related protein 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 9.
The TYRP1 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called tyrosinase-related protein 1. This enzyme is located in melanocytes, which are specialized cells that produce a pigment called melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. Melanin is also found in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (the retina), where it plays a role in normal vision. TYRP1 is involved in the production of melanin, although its exact functions are unclear. Studies suggest that this enzyme may help stabilize tyrosinase, which is the enzyme responsible for the first step in melanin production. TYRP1 may also help determine the shape of melanosomes, which are the structures in melanocytes where melanin is produced.
TYRP1 plays a crucial role in melanin biosynthesis. It catalyzes the oxidation of 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) into indole-5,6-quinone-2-carboxylic acid in the presence of bound Cu(2+) ions, but not in the presence of Zn(2+). This enzyme may also regulate or influence the type of melanin synthesized. Additionally, TYRP1 can hydroxylating tyrosine and producing melanin, although to a lesser extent.
TYRP1 is also known as CAS2, CATB, GP75, OCA3, TRP, TRP1, TYRP, b-PROTEIN.
