Human Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) Pharmacogenomics

Reference #:

1998-036

Inventors/Contributors

Richard M. Weinshilboum, M.D., Carol L. Szumlanski, Charles V. Preuss, Ph.D., Diane M. Otterness, Lan Yan, Ph.D., Rebecca B. Raftogianis, Ph.D., Thomas C. Wood

Description

Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT, EC2.1.1.8) catalyzes a major pathway in the metabolism of histamine. The only pathway for the termination of the neurotransmitter actions of histamine in the human CNS is N-methylation catalyzed by HNMT, and approximately 70% of histamine in bronchial epithelium is metabolized by HNMT. Mayo investigators have cloned the cDNA and gene for HNMT in humans and have characterized a functionally significant genetic polymorphism in the human HNMT gene that influences level of this enzyme activity. Individual variations in HNMT activity could represent risk factors for diseases in which histamine might be involved such as asthma, peptic ulcer disease, and neuropsychiatric illness. Mayo investigators have shown that the allele for decreased HNMT enzyme activity represents a risk factor for asthma.

Patent Status

	U.S. Patent Number 6,316,188 Issued November 13, 2001