This is a more light just for fun post. If you have have joined 23andme initiative, see these interesting PD related finds relating to our COMT gene. From 23andme: the COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) gene, which encodes an enzyme involved in a variety of chemical conversions in the body, including the degradation of the neurotransmitter dopamine

To find your Val or Met status, check the COMT in raw data by typing in r4860.

AA- higher sensitivity to Comtan makes it work best for you
AG- Intermediate response (where i am at)
GG- Lower sensitivity

See recent Pubmed findings:

The COMT Val158Met Polymorohism

Also at 23andme:

SNP Watch: Genetic Variant May Impact Rate of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly”

If you scroll down to the very bottom of this blog post see links to findings on COMT role in anxiety and risk aversion.

I guess I am thankful to be a mix...anyone else care to share. I thought it might be interesting to see if we PWP conform to one type or if we are mixed.

Laura

Husband is "AG" also--intermediate responder

madelyn

Laura, I tried this in 23... for my own account & the 2 other accounts I manage & it said that number you gave (r4860) was not found in raw data. Is that the correct #? Thanks.

it is "rs4860"

Thanks, Olsen, for the quick reply. Laura's post said r4860, apparently a typo.

OK, so I just tried rs4860 & it said the same thing: No gene or SNP found for rs4860.

The correct COMT SNP# is rs4680.

My genotype is AA, low responder.

Robert

Hi All,

Sorry for the confusion and/or frustration. Looks like I should start copying/pasting things more often.

For me, this represents a sort of PD dyslexia where I see and say words and letters in right order but when I type them they may end up jumbled. Or could be lack of sleep; nonetheless, I apologize.

The best way to access your rs4680 SNP is by direct link through the 23andme blog post link at the end of my first message; it will lead you right to your own information. Plus there are links to many more research studies on this SNP through Google Scholar link.

Laura

Laura

laura, between the 2 of us we made 2 different typos for a 6 numbered item. I have no excuse except for overload .thanks robert! madelyn