The Role of the Catechol-o-Methyltransferase (COMT) GeneVal158Met in Aggressive Behavior, a Review of Genetic Studies

Title:The Role of the Catechol-o-Methyltransferase (COMT) GeneVal158Met in Aggressive Behavior, a Review of Genetic Studies

Volume: 13 Issue: 6

Author(s): Arqam Qayyum, Clement C. Zai, Yuko Hirata, Arun K. Tiwari, Sheraz Cheema, Behdin Nowrouzi, Joseph H. Beitchman and L. Kennedy

Affiliation:

Keywords: Aggression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), catechol-0-methyltransferase (COMT), genetics, schizophrenia, Val158Met (rs4680).

Abstract: Aggressive behaviors have become a major public health problem, and early-onset aggression can lead to outcomes such as substance abuse, antisocial personality disorder among other issues. In recent years, there has been an increase in research in the molecular and genetic underpinnings of aggressive behavior, and one of the candidate genes codes for the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). COMT is involved in catabolizing catecholamines such as dopamine. These neurotransmitters appear to be involved in regulating mood which can contribute to aggression. The most common gene variant studied in the COMT gene is the Valine (Val) to Methionine (Met) substitution at codon 158. We will be reviewing the current literature on this gene variant in aggressive behavior.

Cite this article as:

Qayyum Arqam, C. Zai Clement, Hirata Yuko, K. Tiwari Arun, Cheema Sheraz, Nowrouzi Behdin, Beitchman H. Joseph and Kennedy L., The Role of the Catechol-o-Methyltransferase (COMT) GeneVal158Met in Aggressive Behavior, a Review of Genetic Studies, Current Neuropharmacology 2015; 13 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570159X13666150612225836