-methyl transferase. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; EC 2.1.1.6) is one of several enzymes that degrade catecholamines (such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine), catecholestrogens, and various drugs and substances having a catechol structure. In humans, catechol-O-methyltransferase protein is encoded by the COMT gene. Two isoforms of COMT are produced: the soluble short form (S-COMT) and the membrane bound long form (MB-COMT). As the regulation of catecholamines is impaired in a number of medical conditions, several pharmaceutical drugs target COMT to alter its activity and therefore the availability of catecholamines.
British Burn Washington, D.C. In 1814, as part of the War of 1812, the British planned to attack the U.S. city of Baltimore, an important city on the Chesapeake Bay. Near Baltimore was Washington, D.C., the nationâs capital since 1800.
Shooting At U.S. Capitol Visitors Center: One Injured, Shooter In Custody. After multiple reports of shots fired at the United States Capitol building today, the Capitol and the White House have been placed on lockdown. The Associated Press is reporting that police report the shooter is down, and one woman, a bystander, appears to have been wounded.