O-methyltransferase

Identifiers
EC number	2.1.1.6
CAS number	9030-79-1
Alt. names
IntEnz	IntEnz view
BRENDA	BRENDA entry
ExPASy	NiceZyme view
KEGG	KEGG entry
MetaCyc	metabolic pathway

O-methyltransferase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) to a substrate, resulting in the methylation of the substrate. This enzyme is involved in various biochemical pathways and plays a crucial role in the metabolism of xenobiotics, hormones, and neurotransmitters.

Function

O-methyltransferases are responsible for the methylation of hydroxyl groups on catecholamines, phenols, and other compounds. This process is essential for the inactivation and elimination of these compounds from the body. For example, the methylation of catecholamines such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine is a key step in their metabolic degradation.

Types

There are several types of O-methyltransferases, each with specific substrate preferences:

• Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) - involved in the methylation of catecholamines and catechol estrogens.
• Phenol-O-methyltransferase (POMT) - involved in the methylation of phenolic compounds.

Clinical Significance

O-methyltransferases have significant clinical implications. For instance, variations in the COMT gene can affect the metabolism of neurotransmitters and influence neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson's disease.

See Also

• Methylation
• Enzyme
• S-adenosyl methionine
• Catecholamine

External Links

• O-methyltransferase on WikiMD