Melanin biosynthesis in skin. The redskinned' New Guinean

A distinctive unique red-toned skin colour found among New Guineans appears to be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The red skin colour is associated with red melanin granules within the epidermis, independent of hair bulbs, and described here for the first time. The red skin colour is also associated with smaller melanosome size and apparently diminished transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes. The chemistry of this skin melanin cannot be elucidate without the availability of more substantial samples or the development of new technology. It does appear to be associated with variation of catechlolamine metabolism as well as a defect of gaze fixation.