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Is the comt v158m polymorphism a homozygous polymorphism?


Asked by Lina Salas on Dec 09, 2021 FAQ



A 2015 study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews highlights the fact that that 30% of people are homozygous (+/+) and 50% are heterozygous (+/-) for the COMT V158M allele. Amazingly, the same research article also revealed that the COMT V158M polymorphism slows down the COMT system by 300%!
Moreover,
COMT helps the body get rid of excess Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine and Estrogens. A homozygous mutation of the V158M allele is associated with a 40% reduction in COMT gene activity.
Besides, A functional variant in the catechol- O -methyltransferase (COMT) gene, the Val158Met (‘val/met’) polymorphism, has been associated in some prior studies with several phenotypes, including neuroticism.
In this manner,
The homozygous COMT V158M genotype has been referred to as the “worrier,” however, I would call this genotype the “problem solver.” The reason is that this genotype has naturally higher dopamine levels, which is an advantage for cognitive function in day to day life, especially complex problem solving.
In fact,
Opposite effects were observed in val158 homozygotes. The COMT val158met polymorphism thus influences the human experience of pain and may underlie interindividual differences in the adaptation and responses to pain and other stressful stimuli." [ PMID 20509070] Reports that ease of entering hypnosis correlates with number of rs4680 (G) alleles.