What role does COMT play in Langlebigkeit?

COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) degrades catecholamines (dopamine, adrenaline) and estrogens. The common Val158Met (rs4680) variant alters enzyme activity: Val is high-activity, Met is low-activity. In longevity research, COMT is studied mainly for its effects on cognitive aging and stress resilience. Some studies suggest Met carriers have better executive function in older age, but also higher anxiety and stress sensitivity. Direct links to lifespan are weak and inconsistent. Evidence is mixed: no robust GWAS or meta-analyses confirm COMT as a longevity gene. Instead, it modulates pathways that may influence healthspan indirectly. Individual genetic testing for COMT is not clinically actionable for longevity. Lifestyle factors remain far more important. Therefore, while COMT plays a role in neurotransmitter metabolism relevant to aging, its impact on lifespan is modest and context-dependent.