katekolOmetyltransferaasin

Katekol-O-metyltransferaasi, often abbreviated as COMT, is an enzyme that plays a significant role in the metabolism of catecholamines and other catechol-containing compounds. It is a member of the methyltransferase enzyme family, specifically transferring a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to a hydroxyl group on a catechol moiety. This methylation reaction is a key step in the inactivation and breakdown of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. COMT is found in various tissues throughout the body, including the brain, liver, and kidneys, and exists in different isoforms with distinct cellular localizations. In the brain, COMT is primarily involved in modulating the synaptic concentrations of catecholamine neurotransmitters, thereby influencing mood, attention, and cognitive functions. Genetic variations in the COMT gene can lead to differences in enzyme activity, which have been associated with variations in neurotransmitter levels and susceptibility to certain neurological and psychiatric conditions.