title: The Role of the Catechol-o-Methyltransferase (COMT) GeneVal158Met in Aggressive Behavior, a Review of Genetic Studies.
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.
authors.forename: Arqam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Qayyum
authors.forename: Clement C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Zai
authors.forename: Yuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hirata
authors.forename: Arun K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Tiwari
authors.forename: Sheraz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cheema
authors.forename: Behdin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nowrouzi
authors.forename: Joseph H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Beitchman
authors.affiliation: Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8 Canada. jim.kennedy@camh.ca.
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Kennedy
mesh_terms: D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
chemical_list: D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase