What is COMT genotype?

Clinical Information. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is involved in phase II (conjugative) metabolism of catecholamines and catechol drugs, such as dopamine, as well as the catechol-estrogens.

Where can I get GeneSight testing done?

The GeneSight test must be ordered by your doctor or nurse practitioner. The test is a simple cheek swab taken in your healthcare provider’s office or can be sent by your doctor to be taken in the convenience of your home. Your doctor can contact our Medical Affairs team for a consultation.

What is normal COMT gene?

Normal Function The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase. Two versions of this enzyme are made from the gene. The longer form, called membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase (MB-COMT), is chiefly produced by nerve cells in the brain.

How common is COMT mutation?

An estimated 20-30% of Caucasians of European ancestry have a COMT gene variation which limits the body’s ability to remove catechols (a specific type of molecule that includes dopamine, norepinephrine, estrogen, etc.) by 3-4 times.

Can any doctor do a GeneSight test?

Any healthcare provider who can write prescriptions can order the GeneSight test? These can include primary care doctors, nurse practitioners and/or psychiatrists.

How much is a genotype test?

The cost of genetic testing can range from under $100 to more than $2,000, depending on the nature and complexity of the test. The cost increases if more than one test is necessary or if multiple family members must be tested to obtain a meaningful result. For newborn screening, costs vary by state.

Does 23andme test for mental illness?

Companies like 23andme and Navigenics provide genetic DNA testing reports that purportedly tell you your risk factors for getting not only certain medical conditions, but also mental disorders, like bipolar or attention deficit disorder.

Where can COMT be found?

Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) is ubiquitously distributed in the various organs, with high activity in liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract.

How do you fix COMT gene?

There are not many known ways to increase COMT activity, so avoiding anything that inhibits COMT activity is key to recovering from COMT-related issues. Regardless of our genes, we can all benefit from improving liver detox, which helps reduce stress on the body.

What is the COMT gene and what does it do?

COMT gene function: COMT is also involved in the metabolism of some drugs used for asthma, Parkinson’s, and high blood pressure. Researchers link COMT genetic variants to quite a variety of different diseases from mood disorders to heart disease. This variety is due to the COMT variants metabolizing neurotransmitters at different rates.

Which genotypes are associated with high homocysteine levels in COMT?

High activity COMT (rs4680 G/G) combined with MTHFR C677T T/T genotype is linked to high homocysteine levels. [ ref] This common genetic variant also changes the activity level of COMT.

What is the prevalence of the COMT rs4680 variant in the US?

Also, known as COMT rs4680, the A/A or Met/Met variant is found in almost 20% of the population. The slightly more common G/G or Val/Val variant occurs in 35-40% of the population. [ ref]

What are the most common COMT genetic variants?

One of the most studied COMT genetic variants is known as Val1158Met or rs4680. This variant affects the rate at which the enzyme function. Also, known as COMT rs4680, the A/A or Met/Met variant is found in almost 20% of the population. The slightly more common G/G or Val/Val variant occurs in 35-40% of the population. [ ref]