What does catechol-O-methyltransferase do?
What does catechol-O-methyltransferase do?
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that is involved in the degradation of catecholamine neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine), can affect executive functions involved in cognitive flexibility, impulse control, abstract thought, and the ability to follow instructions (1, 2, 3).
Which are classified as catechol-O-methyltransferase COMT inhibitor drugs?
The COMT inhibitors, tolcapone and entacapone, are a new class of Parkinson’s medications. By inhibiting the enzyme catechol-o-methyl-transferase (COMT), they prevent peripheral degradation of levodopa, allowing a higher concentration to cross the blood-brain barrier.
What is the COMT pathway?
More about the COMT pathway 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 role of the protein COMT?
Tocris Summary for COMT Gene Catechol O-Methyltransferase (COMT) (EC 2.1. 1.6) catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) to a catechol substrate, such as dopamine or levodopa, in the presence of magnesium (Mg2+) ions.
What is the COMT gene psychology?
The COMT gene is a gene that regulates the function of dopamine. It appears that this gene is also mutated in individuals with OCD. However this mutation causes the opposite effect as the SERT mutation discussed above.
What is the definition of levodopa?
Levodopa is a prodrug that is converted to dopamine by DOPA decarboxylase and can cross the blood-brain barrier. When in the brain, levodopa is decarboxylated to dopamine and stimulates the dopaminergic receptors, thereby compensating for the depleted supply of endogenous dopamine seen in Parkinson’s disease.
Where do COMT inhibitors act?
COMT are enzymes that break down levodopa, limiting the amount delivered to the brain. COMT inhibitors suppress the activity of COMT enzymes, subsequently extending the window of time in which levodopa is active. This reduces the occurrence of “off” episodes (the time between levodopa doses when motor symptoms recur).
Where is catechol-O-methyltransferase found?
the brain
The longer form, called membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase (MB-COMT), is chiefly produced by nerve cells in the brain. Other tissues, including the liver, kidneys, and blood, produce a shorter form of the enzyme called soluble catechol-O-methyltransferase (S-COMT).
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.
How does COMT gene cause schizophrenia?
These data suggest that the COMT Val allele, because it increases prefrontal dopamine catabolism, impairs prefrontal cognition and physiology, and by this mechanism slightly increases risk for schizophrenia.
What is catecholamine physiology?
Dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine are physiologically active molecules known as catecholamines. Catecholamines act both as neurotransmitters and hormones vital to the maintenance of homeostasis through the autonomic nervous system.