Contributes to a melanosome-specific anion (chloride) current that modulates melanosomal pH for optimal tyrosinase activity required for melanogenesis and the melanosome maturation ( , ). One of the components of the mammalian pigmentary system ( ). May serve as a key control point at which ethnic skin color variation is determined. Major determinant of brown and/or blue eye color ( ). Seems to regulate the post-translational processing of tyrosinase, which catalyzes the limiting reaction in melanin synthesis (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Melanosome membrane
Expressed in melanocytes and retinal pigment epithelium.