Description
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; EC 2.1.1.6) is one of several enzymes that degrade catecholamines such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. In Humans, catechol-O-methyltransferase protein is encoded by the COMT gene. As the regulation of catecholamines is impaired in a number of medical conditions, several pharmaceutical drugs target COMT to alter its activity and therefore the availability of catecholamines. COMT was first discovered by the biochemist Julius Axelrod in 1957.
Abbr
COMT, Native (Porcine)
Alias
COMT; COMT I; COMT II
Form
Lyophilized powder containing phosphate buffer and dithiothreitol
Enzyme Commission Number
EC 2.1.1.6
Activity
> 150 units/mg protein
Unit Definition
One unit will produce 1.0 nanomole of total O-methylated products from 3,4 dihydroxyacetophenone per hour at pH 7.6 at 37°C. Previous radioactive assay unit definition: One unit will catalyze the methylation of 1.0 nanomole of protocatechuic acid per hr at pH 7.9 at 37°C using S-adenosyl-L-[methyl-14C]methionine as the methyl donor. (~6 radioactive units equal one new unit).
Synonyms
catechol O-methyltransferase; COMT; COMT I; COMT II; S-COMT (soluble form of catechol-O-methyltransferase); MB-COMT (membrane-bound form of catechol-O-methyltransferase); catechol methyltransferase; catecholamine O-methyltransferase; EC 2.1.1.6; 9012-25-3; Pyrocatechol-O-methyl Transferase; S-Adenosyl-L-methionine:catechol O-methyltransferase
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