CATECHOL-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE, POLYPEPTIDE SEQUENCES AND DNA MOLECULE CODING THEREFOR

摘要

A novel isolation procedure was developed that allowed the purification of rat liver and human placenta catechol-O-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.6, COMT) enzyme from rat and human sources to a degree sufficient to allow the amino acid sequencing of the enzyme. Recombinant clones directed against the rat liver and human placenta COMT are identified and sequenced. The isolation of pure and recombinant COMT and antibodies thereto, according to the invention, is useful as a medical and pharmacological tool for the development of COMT inhibitors and as a clinical tool for the assay of COMT expression in various disease states.