This polymorphism is commonly referred to as the ‘Worrier or Warrior’ variation, with about 18% of the population carrying the Met/Met ‘worrier’ phenotype, 37% having the Val/Val ‘warrior’ phenotype, and 45% with an allele each, and no distinctive phenotype (7). Interestingly, the Val158 ‘warrior’ variant was advantageous when processing aversive stimuli, while the Met158 ‘worrier’ variant was associated with higher efficiency in memory and attention tasks (6). Kennedy et al. 2011, more recently showed worriers (Met/Met) had an advantage over the warriors Val/Val and the Val/Met variants in executive functioning and working memory performance in flight simulator performance studies (8). The COMT SNP rs4680 has wide ranging effects due to its impact on dopamine levels, and has also been shown to alter behavior within certain psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (9, 10)
When interpreting data from your current study or planning for the future, consider the polymorphisms that influence brain function. For a complete list of SNPs available for research, we recommend contacting one of our experts for guidance on the most relevant selections for your research.
| Gene Summary | |
|---|---|
| Gene: | Catechol-O-methyltransferase |
| Gene Symbol: | COMT |
| Related Analyte(s): | Alpha-Amylase, Cortisol |
| Common SNPs |
|---|
| rs4680 |
| Assay Methodology |
|---|
| Methodology: Genomic DNA, purified using silica based membrane columns is analyzed by TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays run on the 7900HT real time PCR system Yield: 2-5 ug genomic DNA |
| Technical Documentation |
|---|
Collect Saliva Samples
DNA SALIVA COLLECTION CONSIDERATIONS
Better results begin with better saliva collection. This collection protocol features general considerations to maximize salivary DNA analysis. Use this collection protocol to plan your collection methodology and sampling schemes.
APPROVED SALIVARY DNA COLLECTION METHODS
Test Saliva Samples
| Order Code (lab): | 5811 (SNP Genotyping) |
| Transport Requirements: | Ship on Dry Ice |
The validated method used by Salimetrics is proprietary and not available in assay kit form at this time.
References & COMT Related Research
- Grossman, MH. et al. (1992). Chromosomal mapping of the human catechol-O-methyltransferase gene to 22q11.1—-q11.2. Genomics. 12(4), 822-825
- Bruder, Ge. et al. (2005). Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotypes and working memory: associations with differing cognitive operations. Biological Psychiatry. 58(11), 901-907.
- Robinson, S. et al. (2009). Executive functions in children with autism spectrum disorders. Brain and Cognition. 71(3), 362-368.
- Lachman, HM. et al. (1996). Association of codon 108/158 catechol-O-methyltransferase gene polymorphism with the psychiatric manifestations of velo-cardio-facial syndrome. American Journal of Medical Genetics. 67(5), 468-472.
- Chen, J. et al. (2004). Functional Analysis of Genetic Variation in Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT): Effects on mRNA, Protein, and Enzyme Activity in Postmortem Human Brain. American Journal of Medical Genetics. 75(5), 807-821.
- Stein, DJ. et al. (2006). Warriors versus worriers: the role of COMT gene variants. CNS Spectrums. 11(10), 745-748.
- Stein, M. et al. (2005). COMT Polymorphisms and Anxiety-Related Personality Traits. Neuropsychopharmacology. 30(2005), 2092-2102.
- Kennedy, Q. et al. (2011). The Roles of COMT val158met Status and Aviation Expertise in Flight Simulator Performance and Cognitive Ability. Behavior Genetics. 41(5), 700-708.
- Bhakta, SG. et al. (2012). The COMT Met158 allele and violence in schizophrenia: a meta-analysis. Schizophrenia Research. 140(1-3), 192-197.
- Soeiro-de-Souza, MG. et al. (2012). COMT polymorphisms as predictors of cognitive dysfunction during manic and mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder. Bipolar Disorders. 14(5), 554-564.