Neurotransmitter Clearance
How variants in COMT and MAO-A modulate neurotransmitter breakdown speeds, influencing stress resilience and working memory.
Biological Mechanism & Scientific Context
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) degrades prefrontal dopamine. The Val158Met polymorphism causes a 3- to 4-fold variation in enzyme activity. Met carriers (low activity) have higher baseline executive focus but higher stress vulnerability ("Worriers"), while Val carriers excel under acute pressure ("Warriors").