Tyrosinase‑related protein 2 (TRP‑2) is one of the most important members of the tyrosinase family, and is a key enzyme involved in melanin biosynthesis. In the present study, a skin transcriptome profile, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate TRP‑2 expression in sheep with different coat colors, namely, black, white and black‑white. TRP‑2 was overexpressed in melanocytes in order to study the effect of TRP‑2 on melanin production. Results revealed differing TRP‑2 levels in sheep of different coat colors and in various parts of the coat with different colors in the same sheep. TRP‑2 expression levels in dark‑colored areas were significantly increased compared with light‑colored areas in piebald sheep. TRP‑2 overexpression may regulate melanogenesis and significantly increase melanogenesis associated transcription factor expression in vitro. Therefore, TRP‑2 may affect melanin production in sheep, and different expression levels determine coat color. The results may provide novel approaches for developing therapeutic strategies for skin diseases associated with pigmentation disorders.
Keywords: coat color; melanocytes; sheep; tyrosinase-related protein 2.