Skip to main content

Val158Met

Meaning

Val158Met is a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene, characterized by the substitution of the amino acid Valine (Val) with Methionine (Met) at position 158 of the enzyme. This genetic variation is clinically significant because the Met allele results in a thermolabile COMT enzyme with a three- to four-fold lower activity compared to the Val allele. This reduced enzymatic function affects the metabolic clearance of catecholamines, including dopamine and norepinephrine, influencing neurological function and hormonal metabolite clearance.