Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a promising target for modulation of cognitive functions and dysfunctions. COMT dominates the regulation of dopamine metabolism in the prefrontal cortex. Thus, COMT effects are particularly evident in prefrontal cortex-dependent cognitive functions including executive control, working memory, attentional control and long-term memory. This has been determined by both genetic and pharmacological studies that we will highlight in the present review. In particular, we will discuss how common functional variants of the COMT gene may predict individual variation in selective cognitive abilities and vulnerability to cognitive deficits that characterize several neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, COMT genetic variants represent one source of individual differences in the cognitive responses to medications such as those used in psychiatric illnesses. COMT genetic testing may then predict some cognitive dysfunctions often seen in certain psychiatric illnesses even from presymptomatic stages and the efficacy/dosage of drugs used to treat them. The consideration of COMT-dependent differences may be important for the development of more efficient personalized healthcare.
Keywords: Executive function, working memory, attention, development, prefrontal cortex, psychiatric disorders, pharmacological treatment, Catechol O Methyl Transferase, MB-COMT, COMT, val/Met, single nucleotide polymorphism
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
Title:COMT as a Drug Target for Cognitive Functions and Dysfunctions
Volume: 11 Issue: 3
Author(s): Diego Scheggia, Sara Sannino, Maria Luisa Scattoni and Francesco Papaleo
Affiliation:
Keywords: Executive function, working memory, attention, development, prefrontal cortex, psychiatric disorders, pharmacological treatment, Catechol O Methyl Transferase, MB-COMT, COMT, val/Met, single nucleotide polymorphism
Abstract: Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a promising target for modulation of cognitive functions and dysfunctions. COMT dominates the regulation of dopamine metabolism in the prefrontal cortex. Thus, COMT effects are particularly evident in prefrontal cortex-dependent cognitive functions including executive control, working memory, attentional control and long-term memory. This has been determined by both genetic and pharmacological studies that we will highlight in the present review. In particular, we will discuss how common functional variants of the COMT gene may predict individual variation in selective cognitive abilities and vulnerability to cognitive deficits that characterize several neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, COMT genetic variants represent one source of individual differences in the cognitive responses to medications such as those used in psychiatric illnesses. COMT genetic testing may then predict some cognitive dysfunctions often seen in certain psychiatric illnesses even from presymptomatic stages and the efficacy/dosage of drugs used to treat them. The consideration of COMT-dependent differences may be important for the development of more efficient personalized healthcare.
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Cite this article as:
Scheggia Diego, Sannino Sara, Luisa Scattoni Maria and Papaleo Francesco, COMT as a Drug Target for Cognitive Functions and Dysfunctions, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2012; 11 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152712800672481
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152712800672481 |
Print ISSN 1871-5273 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1996-3181 |
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