Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase

Phenylethanolamine -N- methyltransferase ( PNMTase ) is the enzyme that methylates noradrenaline and adrenaline therefore indispensable for the biosynthesis of the hormone. PNMTase is produced in vertebrates. In humans it is found in the adrenal glands and the nervous system, but also in the heart.

Production of PNMTase is controlled by hormonal and neurological stimuli such as stress.

Catalyzed reaction

S -adenosyl -Met ⇔ ⇔ S -adenosyl -Hom

Noradrenaline ( like other phenylethanolamine derivatives) converted to adrenaline. As a methyl group donor S- adenosylmethionine acts.

Human Genome Organisation Euteleostomi Epinephrine Methylation Stress (biology) Digital Object Identifier
607478
de