Human COMT Val mice contain human catechol-O-methyltransferase (Comt) gene replacing the endogenous coding region. Membrane bound COMT is highly expressed in both prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and is a key enzyme in catecholamine clearance from the synapse. COMT helps maintain appropriate levels of neurotransmitters, such as such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in prefrontal cortex. Mutations and increased frequency of this gene are associated with schizophrenia, anxiety, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention deficit disorder. Homozygous Human COMT Val mice are viable and fertile. The donating investigator reports a lack of phenotype on this 129 genetic background (July 2018). We may modify the strain description if necessary as any results become available.
Of note, this allele is also available on a C57BL/6J congenic background as Stock No. 032382.
Companion strains, containing containing a Val158Met mutation, commonly associated with the development of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders, are available on a congenic B6J background (Stock No. 032383) and a 129 coisogenic background (Stock No. 027993). The congenic B6J Val158Met strain shows behavioral phenotypes consistent with those seen in patients with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
