What does COMT mutation mean?
The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase. An estimated 20-30% of Caucasians of European ancestry have a COMT gene variation which limits the body’s ability to remove catechols (a specific type of molecule that includes dopamine, norepinephrine, estrogen, etc.)
What is MTHFR COMT?
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a crucial enzyme involved in one-carbon metabolism17. The reduction of MTHFR activity may compromise DNA methylation18. Therefore, genetic variations of the MTHFR gene might affect COMT methylation and COMT function.
How is COMT linked to schizophrenia?
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is one of the most investigated candidate genes for schizophrenia because of its role in the degradation of dopamine (DA).
What does the COMT gene regulate?
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene plays a role in degrading dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, all three of which are neurotransmitters collectively known as the catecholamines (Winterer & Goldman 2003).
What are the primary functions of the COMT gene?
Normal Function The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase. Two versions of this enzyme are made from the gene. The longer form, called membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase (MB-COMT), is chiefly produced by nerve cells in the brain.
What is the function of COMT?
COMT is involved in catabolizing catecholamines such as dopamine. These neurotransmitters appear to be involved in regulating mood which can contribute to aggression. The most common gene variant studied in the COMT gene is the Valine (Val) to Methionine (Met) substitution at codon 158.
What is a COMT test?
COMT Genotyping Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme that inactivates hormones, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The hormones help to regulate heartbeat, breathing rate, cognitive function, memory, mood, and pain perception.
How do you know if you have MAOA gene?
Some people with monoamine oxidase A deficiency have episodes of skin flushing, sweating, headaches, or diarrhea. Similar episodes can occur in female family members of males with monoamine oxidase A deficiency, although females do not experience other signs or symptoms of the condition.
Does everyone have the COMT gene?
Everyone carries two copies of the COMT gene, one inherited from each parent. The study showed that people with two copies of the “met” form of the COMT gene had a much more pronounced response to pain than those who carried two copies of the “val” form of the gene.
Is COMT extracellular?
Soluble COMT can also be found extracellularly, although extracellular COMT plays a less significant role in the CNS than it does peripherally. Despite its importance in neurons, COMT is actually primarily expressed in the liver.
How is COMT h62h related to endometrial cancer?
COMT H62H seems to be associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, though personally, I only carry one copy of the risk gene. Nutritionally, my COMT status can give me some trouble with methyl donors.
What are the symptoms of a COMT mutation?
COMT problems / Symptoms. Possible estrogen imbalances and or estrogen dominance: Anxiety. Social anxiety. Alcoholism. Bipolar disorder. Thyroid abnormalities. Depression.
What do you need to know about the COMT gene?
What are COMT gene mutations? COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) helps break down certain neurotransmitters and catecholamines. These include dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Catechol-O-methyltransferase is important to the areas of the pre-frontal cortex.
How does a COMT gene affect methyl donors?
Nutritionally, my COMT status can give me some trouble with methyl donors. MTRR is the gene responsible for the regulation of the enzyme 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine Methyltransferase Reductase, also known as MTR. MTR recycles vitamin B12 in order to convert homocysteine to methionine.