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The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is of significant interest to neuroscience, due to its role in modulating dopamine function. COMT is dynamically regulated; its expression is altered during normal brain development and in response to environmental stimuli. In many cases the underlying molecular basis for these effects is unknown; however, in some cases (e.g., estrogenic regulation in the case of sex differences) regulatory mechanisms have been identified. COMT contains several functional polymorphisms and haplotypes, including the well-studied Val158Met polymorphism. Here I review the regulation of COMT and the functional polymorphisms within its sequence with respect to brain function.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/B978-0-12-381326-8.00002-8

Type

Journal article

Journal

Int Rev Neurobiol

Publication Date

2010

Volume

95

Pages

7 - 27

Keywords

Brain, Catechol O-Methyltransferase, Gene Expression Regulation, Genotype, Haplotypes, Humans, Polymorphism, Genetic