Ultramel Ball Python

 The Ultramel Ball Python is a color altering mutation that reduces dark pigmentation, leaving a high contrasting combination of colors throughout its body. Although it’s name derives from the word “Ultramelanistic”, it is actually hypomelanism that is at play here.

Hypothesis: Genes linked to albinism in humans are the same as genes causing color morphs in ball pythons.

Defects in melanin production in humans cause a genetic condition known as albinism (technically, ‘oculocutaneous albinism’). Albinism in humans ranges from severe to mild, depending on the genetic cause.

The genes responsible for albinism in humans are shared with ball pythons. These genes encode proteins required for producing melanin. We predicted that the genes responsible for albinism in humans were the same as the genes causing the Albino/Toffee/Candy, Lavender Albino, and Ultramel color morphs in ball pythons. 

The Ultramel color morph is caused by variants in the gene TYRP1. This gene encodes an enzyme involved in synthesizing melanin. Mutations in this gene in humans cause a form of albinism in which individuals have reddish hair. This form of albinism in humans is more mild that other forms of albinism, similar to the difference between the Ultramel color morph and the Albino and Lavender Albino color morphs.