What is Methylation Pathway Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms?
Methylation is a fundamental biochemical process that regulates gene expression, neurotransmitter metabolism, and homocysteine recycling. Key enzymes include methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), which converts folate to its active form; methionine synthase (MTR) and its reductase (MTRR), which regenerate methionine from homocysteine; and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which inactivates catecholamines. Genetic variants in these enzymes can alter their efficiency, influencing nutrient requirements, detoxification capacity, and responses to environmental stressors.