How is COMT linked to schizophrenia?

How is COMT linked to schizophrenia?

Genetic evidence : The COMT gene is found in a region of the 22nd chromosome of the human genome which is shown in genetic linkage studies for harbouring schizophrenia genes. Individuals with a deletion in this region (1/ 4000 human births) have 30 times more likelihood of developing schizophrenia.

What does the COMT gene do?

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.

Where is COMT gene found?

The COMT gene lies in a chromosomal region of interest for psychosis and mood disorder and a common polymorphism within the gene alters the activity of the enzyme. As a consequence, COMT has been one of the most studied genes for psychosis.

What chromosome is COMT gene on?

The enzyme COMT regulates dopamine (DA) levels in the brain, and its activity depends on the COMT gene, located on chromosome 22q11.

What is the val val gene?

The patients who have the overactive enzyme are homozygous for valine form (Val/Val), which renders COMT hyper-efficient and may result in dopamine deficiency. In contrast, genotype Met/Met results in a hypo-active enzyme and causes excessive dopamine in the synaptic cleft.

What drugs are metabolized by COMT?

Most extraneuronal catecholamine metabolism is accomplished by COMT in the liver and kidney. In addition to catecholamines, COMT also metabolizes l-DOPA, DHPG, DOPAC, and catechol estrogens.

How does catechol-O-methyltransferase work?

Catechol-O-methyltransferase is involved in the inactivation of the catecholamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine). The enzyme introduces a methyl group to the catecholamine, which is donated by S-adenosyl methionine (SAM). Dopamine → 3-Methoxytyramine. DOPAC → HVA (homovanillic acid)

How is COMT mutation treated?

If you have the COMT Val/Val variant you may benefit from being treated with stimulants, and by including flavonoids (red wine, berries, apples), and Quercetin (red wine, berries, cherries, leafy veggies) in your diet.

Does everyone have the COMT gene?

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 catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphism?

Abstract. Catechol-O-methyltransferase catalyses the O-methylation of biologically active or toxic catechols and is a major component of the metabolism of drugs and neurotransmitters such as L-dopa, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine.

What is COMT and Mao?

Two major enzymes are responsible for catecholamine catabolism in the brain: catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA). The transcriptional activity of the genes coding for these enzymes is governed by common functional polymorphisms.

Is there a relationship between catechol O-methyltransferase and violence in schizophrenia?

Association between catechol O-methyltransferase genotype and violence in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder The gene determining the activity of an important regulatory enzyme in catecholamine inactivation is associated with violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Is catecholamine inactivation associated with violence in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?

The gene determining the activity of an important regulatory enzyme in catecholamine inactivation is associated with violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Association between catechol O-methyltransferase genotype and violence in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

Is Val158Met polymorphism associated with response to antipsychotics in schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder?

Our findings suggest that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism is associated with response to antipsychotics in schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder patients. This effect may be more pronounced for atypical antipsychotics.

Is COMT a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of schizophrenia?

We conclude by outlining preliminary data indicating that COMT is a promising therapeutic target for ameliorating the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. Publication types