Plays a role in melanin biosynthesis (PubMed:33100333). Catalyzes the conversion of L-dopachrome into 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) (PubMed:1537333, PubMed:1537334). L-dopachrome = 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylate Binds 2 Zn(2+) ions per subunit. Pigment biosynthesis; melanin biosynthesis. Forms an OPN3-dependent complex with TYR in response to blue light in melanocytes. Proper trafficking to melanosome is regulated by SGSM2, ANKRD27, RAB9A, RAB32 and RAB38. Melanocytes and retinal pigmented epithelium (at protein level). Glycosylated. The slaty mutation in Tyrp2 leads to a decrease of DT activity and a consequent change in the pigmentation of the mice to a dark gray/brown eumelanin. The slaty-2j mutation has a similar phenotype, the slaty-lt (light) mutation has a more severe effect and is semidominant; its phenotype may be a result of the failure of the enzyme to be correctly targeted to its normal location on the inner face of the melanosomal membrane. Mutant mice show an hypopigmentation of the coat and have the retinal pigmented epithelium significantly less pigmented than wild-type retinas. Belongs to the tyrosinase family.