mouse tyrosinase

Mouse tyrosinase is an enzyme encoded by the *Tyr* gene in mice, playing a crucial role in the biosynthesis of melanin pigments, which determine hair, skin, and eye color. Mutations in the *Tyr* gene can lead to non-functional tyrosinase protein and, consequently, albinism. Beyond its natural biological function, mouse tyrosinase is utilized in various research and therapeutic contexts. It serves as an antigen in DNA vaccines for melanoma patients, aiming to induce an immune response against melanoma cells that express tyrosinase. It is also a key target in genetic engineering studies, particularly with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, to generate albino mouse models or investigate gene regulation and gene drives. Furthermore, the mouse tyrosinase promoter has been explored in oncolytic adenoviral vectors for gene therapy in gliomas, leveraging its overexpression in certain tumor types.