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Catechol-O-methyltransferase – COMT

COMT SNP
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). The well-studied COMT SNP rs4680, results in a valine (Val) to methionine (Met) substitution at position 158 (Val158Met), affects COMT’s ability to catabolize catecholamines. Individuals with the Val158 homozygote variant degrade dopamine four times faster than those homozygous for methionine at 158. The Met158 variant, on the other hand, has reduced functional enzyme activity leading to increased levels of dopamine within the brain (4, 5, 6). Read More...

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.

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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

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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.


Collection Protocol

APPROVED SALIVARY DNA COLLECTION METHODS

SalivaBio Passive Drool Adults, Children 6+
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SalivaBio Oral Swab (SOS) Adults, Children 6+
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SalivaBio Infant's Swab (SIS) Children <6 months
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Children's Swab Saliva Collection Device SalivaBio Children's Swab (SCS) Animals, Children <6 years
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Test Saliva Samples

@ Salimetrics
Salimetrics SalivaLab - Easy & Accurate
Order Code (lab): 5811 (SNP Genotyping)
Transport Requirements: Ship on Dry Ice
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Salimetrics Assay Kits - Better Results

The validated method used by Salimetrics is proprietary and not available in assay kit form at this time.

References & COMT Related Research

  1. Grossman, MH. et al. (1992). Chromosomal mapping of the human catechol-O-methyltransferase gene to 22q11.1—-q11.2. Genomics. 12(4), 822-825
  2. Bruder, Ge. et al. (2005). Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotypes and working memory: associations with differing cognitive operations. Biological Psychiatry. 58(11), 901-907.
  3. Robinson, S. et al. (2009). Executive functions in children with autism spectrum disorders. Brain and Cognition. 71(3), 362-368.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Stein, DJ. et al. (2006). Warriors versus worriers: the role of COMT gene variants. CNS Spectrums. 11(10), 745-748.
  7. Stein, M. et al. (2005). COMT Polymorphisms and Anxiety-Related Personality Traits. Neuropsychopharmacology. 30(2005), 2092-2102.
  8. 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.
  9. Bhakta, SG. et al. (2012). The COMT Met158 allele and violence in schizophrenia: a meta-analysis. Schizophrenia Research. 140(1-3), 192-197.
  10. 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.

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