Plays a role in melanin biosynthesis (PubMed:22556244, PubMed:16704458). 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+) (PubMed:28661582). May regulate or influence the type of melanin synthesized (PubMed:22556244, PubMed:16704458). Also to a lower extent, capable of hydroxylating tyrosine and producing melanin (By similarity). Contains bound zinc ions after heterologous expression in insect cells, giving rise to a protein that lacks DHICA oxidase activity. The activity depends critically on the nature of the bound metal ion. Catalyzes the oxidation of 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) in the presence of bound Cu(2+) ions, but lacks activity in the presence of bound Zn(2+) ions. Pigment biosynthesis; melanin biosynthesis. Monomer (PubMed:28661582). Interacts with ATP7A (By similarity). Located to mature stage III and IV melanosomes and apposed endosomal tubular membranes. Transported to pigmented melanosomes by the BLOC-1 complex. Proper trafficking to melanosome is regulated by SGSM2, ANKRD27, RAB9A, RAB32 and RAB38. Pigment cells. Glycosylated. Genetic variants in TYRP1 define the skin/hair/eye pigmentation variation locus 11 (SHEP11) [MIM:612271] and are responsible for variability in hair color linked to chromosome 9p23 in Melanesians. Hair, eye and skin pigmentation are among the most visible examples of human phenotypic variation, with a broad normal range that is subject to substantial geographic stratification. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the tyrosinase family. The precise function of this protein in melanin biosynthesis is still under debate. DHICA oxidase activity is controversial (PubMed:9758418, PubMed:28661582). Lacks DHICA oxidase activity (PubMed:9758418). Has DHICA oxidase activity in the presence of Cu(2+), but lacks DHICA oxidase activity with Zn(2+) (PubMed:28661582). Retina International's Scientific Newsletter TYRP1 mutations