Tyrosinase

Function

Tyrosinase (Tyr) is a copper-containing enzyme which catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments by oxidation of tyrosine. Tyr is involved in the hydroxylation of monophenol and the conversion of o-diphenol to o-quinone. Tyr inhibitors are used in dermatological treatments and in cosmetics. β-Tyr (BTyr) or tyrosine phenol-lyase hydrolyzes tyrosine to phenol, pyruvate and NH3. Tyr 3 (Tyr3) or polyphenol oxidase catalyzes the hydroxylation of monophenols to diphenols.

Disease

Mutation in Tyr leads to albinism. In melanoma patients, Tyr activity is uncontrolled resulting in increase in melanin production.

Relevance

Structural highlights