Tyrosinase activity and the expression of the agouti gene in the mouse

Tyrosinase activity at the time of phaeomelanin synthesis in neonatal mice is lower in agouti than in black skin and hair bulb tissue, and this depressed activity is associated with a reduction in the electrophoretically distinct de novo form of the enzyme. Direct chemical measurements of sulphydryl compounds show elevated levels in agouti hair bulb tissue at this stage of development. The addition of exogenous copper to hair bulb extracts raises the activity of tyrosinase in agouti to approximately the black level but has no affect on black itself. These results are discussed in relation to the role of sulphydryl compounds and copper availability in regulating tyrosinase activity and turnover.