Memorandum

 

To:	BioInformatics Interns
From:	Research Mentor
Re:	Overview

 

Now that you have had some time to get familiar with the website and some terminology related to bioinformatics - let's get started. We have a challenging assignment prepared for you that is designed to lead you through the various NCBI databases.

In this pilot project, we expect you to become familiar with locating the different types of information that can be found in several of the NCBI databases.  The focus for your investigation will be the human enzyme catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT).  COMT is an enzyme that breaks down compounds containing a type of chemical structure called a “catechol.”  In this pilot project, you will locate information about the human COMT gene and the proteins encoded by this gene, and evaluate whether it would be reasonable to test for specific forms of the COMT gene when prescribing drugs for conditions or diseases like Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, migraine headaches, pain, smoking (tobacco dependence), or schizophrenia. 

At the end of this project, you will be asked to present your results and describe the evidence supporting your conclusion.

Check the Requirements tab for a step-by-step action plan. Good luck!

Important Background information

It is known that different people respond differently to drug treatments and that the response can sometimes be related to genetics.  Some groups of people might have a form of a gene that codes for a very active form of an enzyme.  Other groups of people can have a slightly different version that codes for an enzyme with a lower activity.  Pharmacogenomics is a field where researchers and health providers use genetic information to identify the proper dose of a therapeutic drug.  In the simplest case, a patient who metabolizes a drug more rapidly will need a higher dose.  A patient who metabolizes a drug more slowly is likely to need a lower dose.

Different forms of COMT gene can be found in different people and it’s possible that this information could be helpful to doctors who are treating certain conditions. Among the conditions that have been investigated, in connection with COMT, are: Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, migraine headaches, pain, smoking (tobacco dependence), and schizophrenia.