Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) plays a crucial role in the regulation of central dopaminergic systems by catalyzing the inactivation of catechol-amines. It is widely distributed in most tissues in soluble and membrane-bound forms. COMT-mediated methylation metabolism of catecholamine neurotransmitters is a first-line detoxification pathway. A Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene affects activity of the enzyme and influences performance and efficiency of the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Sequential conversion of estradiol to methoxyestradiol by COMT, contributes to the antimitogenic effects of estradiol on vascular smooth muscle cell growth via estrogen receptor-independent mechanisms.
Background References
1. Chen J et al. Orientation and cellular distribution of membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase in cortical neurons: implications for drug development. J Biol Chem 286:34752-34760 (2011).
2. Lee S-G et al. Association of Ala72Ser polymorphism with COMT enzyme activity and the risk of schizophrenia in Koreans. Hum Genet 116:319-328 (2005).
Sequence Similarity
Belongs to the class I-like SAM-binding methyltransferase superfamily. Cation-dependent O-methyltransferase family.
Tissue Specificity
Brain, liver, placenta, lymphocytes and erythrocytes.
Western blot analysis of COMT on different lysates with Rabbit anti-COMT antibody (ET7108-89) at 1/1,000 dilution.
Lane 1: HeLa cell lysate Lane 2: MCF7 cell lysate Lane 3: HepG2 cell lysate Lane 4: Rat testis tissue lysate
Lysates/proteins at 20 µg/Lane.
Predicted band size: 30/24 kDa Observed band size: 30/24 kDa
Exposure time: 10 seconds; ECL: K1801;
4-20% SDS-PAGE gel.
Proteins were transferred to a PVDF membrane and blocked with 5% NFDM/TBST for 1 hour at room temperature. The primary antibody (ET7108-89) at 1/1,000 dilution was used in 5% NFDM/TBST at 4℃ overnight. Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG - HRP Secondary Antibody (HA1001) at 1/50,000 dilution was used for 1 hour at room temperature.
Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded mouse testis tissue using anti-COMT antibody. Counter stained with hematoxylin.
Please note: All products are "FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY AND ARE NOT INTENDED FOR DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USE"