Anti-COMT Antibody Picoband®, APC Conjugate

Catechol O-methyltransferase, also called COMT, is one of the major mammalian enzymes involved in the metabolic degradation of catecholamines. This gene is mapped to 22q11.21. Catechol-O-methyltransferase catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to catecholamines, including the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. This O-methylation results in one of the major degradative pathways of the catecholamine transmitters. In addition to its role in the metabolism of endogenous substances, COMT is important in the metabolism of catechol drugs used in the treatment of hypertension, asthma, and Parkinson disease. COMT is found in two forms in tissues, a soluble form (S-COMT) and a membrane-bound form (MB-COMT). The differences between S-COMT and MB-COMT reside within the N-termini.

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.

1. Baker, K., Baldeweg, T., Sivagnanasundaram, S., Scambler, P., Skuse, D. COMT val108/158met modifies mismatch negativity and cognitive function in 22q11 deletion syndrome. Biol. Psychiat. 58: 23-31, 2005. 2. Lee, S.-G., Joo, Y., Kim, B., Chung, S., Kim, H.-L., Lee, I., Choi, B., Kim, C., Song, K.Association of Ala72Ser polymorphism with COMT enzyme activity and the risk of schizophrenia in Koreans. Hum. Genet. 116: 319-328, 2005.

Store at -20℃ for one year from date of receipt. After reconstitution, at 4℃ for one month. It can also be aliquotted and stored frozen at -20℃ for six months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.