Association of genetic polymorphisms of COMT gene with psychiatric disorders.

VernacularTitle:儿茶酚胺氧位甲基转移酶基因遗传多态性与精神疾病的相关性
Author: Li-bo GAO ¹ ; Shu-rong ZHONG ; Qiang JING
Author Information

1. Department of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China.
Publication Type:Journal Article
MeSH: Catechol O-Methyltransferase; genetics; Humans; Mental Disorders; genetics; Polymorphism, Genetic
From: Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2010;27(6):650-653
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: The enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) transfers a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to the benzene ring of catecholamines including the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. This methylation results in the degradation of catecholamines. The involvement of the COMT gene in the metabolic pathway of these neurotransmitters has made it an attractive candidate gene for many psychiatric disorders. This review focuses on the association between the genetic polymorphisms of COMT gene and psychiatric disorders.