Analysis of Tyrosinase: A Protein Determinant for our Skin and Hair Color
Mentor 1
Madhusudan Dey
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
27-4-2018 1:00 PM
Description
Tyrosinase gene (TYR) encodes a protein that regulates the production of the pigment melanin, a primary determinant of skin, eye and hair color. Tyr protein, in the presence of copper, converts the amino acid tyrosine to dopaquinone, which then is transformed into the pigment melanin. Mutations in the TYR gene can result in several autosomal recessive disorders such as albinism and other types of variations in skin pigmentation. Researchers have found that there are roughly 320 mutations on the TYR gene that can cause complications to individuals. In order to better understand the gene and the mutations causing disease, I retrieved the sequence of the TYR gene. I then analyzed the gene and its protein sequence against several organisms to locate where the mutation has occurred. The shape of the protein is also another indicator of mutation and can also be studied by looking at the molecular structure. These studies can help with the study of key components that cause albinism in individuals and possibly find cures to this disease.
Analysis of Tyrosinase: A Protein Determinant for our Skin and Hair Color
Union Wisconsin Room
Tyrosinase gene (TYR) encodes a protein that regulates the production of the pigment melanin, a primary determinant of skin, eye and hair color. Tyr protein, in the presence of copper, converts the amino acid tyrosine to dopaquinone, which then is transformed into the pigment melanin. Mutations in the TYR gene can result in several autosomal recessive disorders such as albinism and other types of variations in skin pigmentation. Researchers have found that there are roughly 320 mutations on the TYR gene that can cause complications to individuals. In order to better understand the gene and the mutations causing disease, I retrieved the sequence of the TYR gene. I then analyzed the gene and its protein sequence against several organisms to locate where the mutation has occurred. The shape of the protein is also another indicator of mutation and can also be studied by looking at the molecular structure. These studies can help with the study of key components that cause albinism in individuals and possibly find cures to this disease.
