TYRP1 is a melanocyte-specific protein involved in melanin synthesis. It functions to stabilize tyrosinase protein and modulate its catalytic activity. It also plays a role in the maintenance of melanosome structure and influences melanocyte proliferation and cell death. Mutations in this gene are associated with oculocutaneous albinism type 3 (OCA3). Expression of this protein in metastatic melanoma correlates with Breslow thickness and poor prognosis, and it may be an effective target of inhibition therapy. In immunohistochemistry of normal tissue, it has membranous positivity on melanocytes. References: Pigment Cell Res. 2001 Dec;14(6):437-44, PMID: 11775055; Br J Cancer. 2011 Nov 22; 105(11): 1726–1732, PMID: 22045183