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Val158Met Polymorphism

Meaning

The Val158Met Polymorphism is a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene, which results in the amino acid substitution of valine (Val) with methionine (Met) at the 158th position of the COMT enzyme. This specific genetic variation profoundly influences the enzyme’s thermal stability and catalytic efficiency, thereby altering the metabolic breakdown and clearance rate of critical catecholamines, including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. It serves as a key genetic factor in personalized hormonal and neurological health assessments.