ASMT

Function

Isoform 1 catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group onto N-acetylserotonin, producing melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine). Isoform 2 and isoform 3 lack enzyme activity.

Pathway

Aromatic compound metabolism; melatonin biosynthesis; melatonin from serotonin: step 1/2.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the class I-like SAM-binding methyltransferase superfamily. Cation-independent O-methyltransferase family.

Tissue specificity

Expressed in the pineal gland (at protein level). In the retina, very low expression is found at the mRNA level (PubMed:7989373), and not at the protein level (PubMed:8574683).

Alternative names

• Acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase
• Hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase
• HIOMT
• ASMT

Database links

• entrezGene:438
• omim:402500
• omim:300015
• swissprot:P46597

Target type

Proteins

Molecular weight

38453Da