這個基因編碼的酶催化酪氨酸轉化為黑色素的前兩步，以及至少一步。該酶具有酪氨酸羥化酶和多巴氧化酶催化活性，并且需要銅作為功能。該基因突變導致眼皮膚白化病，非病理性多態性導致皮膚色素沉著變化。人類基因組中含有一個與此基因3'一半相似的假基因。
The enzyme encoded by this gene catalyzes the first 2 steps, and at least 1 subsequent step, in the conversion of tyrosine to melanin. The enzyme has both tyrosine hydroxylase and dopa oxidase catalytic activities, and requires copper for function. Mutations in this gene result in oculocutaneous albinism, and nonpathologic polymorphisms result in skin pigmentation variation. The human genome contains a pseudogene similar to the 3' half of this gene.