COMT

Function

Catalyzes the O-methylation, and thereby the inactivation, of catecholamine neurotransmitters and catechol hormones. Also shortens the biological half-lives of certain neuroactive drugs, like L-DOPA, alpha-methyl DOPA and isoproterenol.

Involvement in disease

Schizophrenia

SCZD

A complex, multifactorial psychotic disorder or group of disorders characterized by disturbances in the form and content of thought (e.g. delusions, hallucinations), in mood (e.g. inappropriate affect), in sense of self and relationship to the external world (e.g. loss of ego boundaries, withdrawal), and in behavior (e.g bizarre or apparently purposeless behavior). Although it affects emotions, it is distinguished from mood disorders in which such disturbances are primary. Similarly, there may be mild impairment of cognitive function, and it is distinguished from the dementias in which disturbed cognitive function is considered primary. Some patients manifest schizophrenic as well as bipolar disorder symptoms and are often given the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder.

None

Disease susceptibility may be associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Post-translational modifications

The N-terminus is blocked.

Sequence similarities

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

Tissue specificity

Brain, liver, placenta, lymphocytes and erythrocytes.

Cellular localization

• Isoform Soluble
• Cytoplasm
• Isoform Membrane-bound
• Cell membrane
• Single-pass type II membrane protein
• Extracellular side

Alternative names

• Catechol O-methyltransferase
• COMT

Database links

• entrezGene:1312
• omim:116790
• swissprot:P21964

Target type

Proteins

Molecular weight

30037Da