From the FDA Drug Label
In mammals, COMT is distributed throughout various organs. COMT also occurs in the heart, lung, smooth and skeletal muscles, intestinal tract, reproductive organs, various glands, adipose tissue, skin, blood cells and neuronal tissues, especially in glial cells.
The COMT gene is not explicitly mentioned in the provided drug labels as being present in every individual. The text only describes the distribution of COMT in various organs and tissues in mammals, but does not provide information on the presence of the COMT gene in all individuals. Therefore, no conclusion can be drawn about whether everyone has the COMT gene 1 2.
From the Research
Yes, everyone has the COMT gene, which is a normal part of human DNA that provides instructions for making an enzyme to break down certain neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in the brain and other tissues. The COMT gene is present in all humans, and while people can have different variants or polymorphisms of this gene, such as the Val158Met polymorphism, these variations do not affect the presence of the gene itself 3.
Key Points
- The COMT gene is responsible for producing an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters, and its variants can affect the efficiency of this process 4.
- Different versions of the COMT gene can create more active or less active enzymes, leading to individual differences in physiological and psychological traits 5.
- The most recent study on COMT inhibitors in Parkinson's disease highlights the importance of the COMT gene in managing the disease, but does not suggest that the gene is absent in any individuals 3.
Variants of the COMT Gene
The Val158Met polymorphism is one of the most studied variants of the COMT gene, and it has been shown to affect cognitive function, stress response, and pain sensitivity 4. However, this variant does not affect the presence of the COMT gene itself, but rather its function.
Clinical Implications
Understanding the COMT gene and its variants is important for managing diseases such as Parkinson's disease, where COMT inhibitors are used to improve motor function and reduce symptoms 3. However, the presence of the COMT gene is not a factor in the diagnosis or treatment of these diseases, as it is present in all humans.