How Do You Spell CATECHOL METHYLTRANSFERASE?

Pronunciation: [kˈatɪkˌɒl mˈiːθɪltɹɐnsfˌɜːɹe͡ɪz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Catechol Methyltransferase" can be explained through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced /ˈkætəkɒl/, with stress on the first syllable and a short "a" sound. The second syllable is pronounced /ˌmɛθɪlˈtrænsfəreɪs/, with stress on the third syllable and a long "i" sound. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the break down of catecholamines in the brain, and variations in its gene have been linked to various neurological disorders.

CATECHOL METHYLTRANSFERASE Meaning and Definition

1. Catechol methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the regulation of various neurotransmitters and catechol hormones in the body. It is involved in the process of methylation, which is the transfer of a methyl group (-CH3) from a donor molecule to a target molecule.

   COMT specifically acts on catechol compounds, which are organic compounds with a benzene ring and two hydroxyl groups (OH) attached at adjacent carbon atoms. Examples of catechol compounds include neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, as well as catechol estrogens.

   The enzyme COMT helps to regulate the levels of these catechol compounds by methylating them, primarily in the brain and liver. Methylation of catechol compounds leads to their inactivation and conversion into methylated catechols, which can be excreted from the body.

   COMT is found in various tissues throughout the body, including the brain, liver, adrenal glands, and kidneys. Genetic variations in the COMT gene can affect the activity and stability of the enzyme, leading to individual differences in the breakdown and elimination of catechol compounds.

   This enzyme has been extensively studied in the context of various neurological and psychiatric disorders, as it has been implicated in the regulation of dopamine levels in the brain. Inhibitors of COMT have also been developed as a therapeutic approach to increase the availability of neurotransmitters like dopamine, potentially improving symptoms associated with conditions such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

Common Misspellings for CATECHOL METHYLTRANSFERASE

• xatechol methyltransferase
• vatechol methyltransferase
• fatechol methyltransferase
• datechol methyltransferase
• cztechol methyltransferase
• cstechol methyltransferase
• cwtechol methyltransferase
• cqtechol methyltransferase
• carechol methyltransferase
• cafechol methyltransferase
• cagechol methyltransferase
• cayechol methyltransferase
• ca6echol methyltransferase
• ca5echol methyltransferase
• catwchol methyltransferase
• catschol methyltransferase
• catdchol methyltransferase
• catrchol methyltransferase
• cat4chol methyltransferase
• cat3chol methyltransferase

Etymology of CATECHOL METHYLTRANSFERASE

The word "Catechol Methyltransferase" has its etymology derived from the individual components of the term.

1. Catechol: The term "catechol" originates from the Greek words "katecho" meaning "to hold" and "ole" meaning "oil". It refers to a chemical compound called "catechol", which is a type of organic molecule consisting of a benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached.

2. Methyl: The term "methyl" is derived from the Greek word "methy", meaning "sweet wine". It refers to the methyl group (CH3), which is a functional group in organic chemistry consisting of three hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom.

3. Transferase: The term "transferase" comes from the Latin word "transferre", which means "to carry across".