Albinism is caused by a change in one of the genes that give instructions for making proteins involved in producing melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. These changes in genes are called mutations.
The specific genes involved in albinism vary depending on the type of albinism. For example, oculocutaneous albinism is a group of conditions that affect the coloring of the skin, hair, and eyes. The most common types of albinism are caused by mutations in the OCA2 and TYRP1 genes.
Albinism is a rare genetic condition that can be inherited from parents who carry the gene mutation. It can also occur spontaneously due to a new mutation in the gene.
