PNMT Antibody

Phenylethanolamine-N-Methyltransferase (PNMT) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. It catalyzes the conversion of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) to epinephrine (adrenaline) by transferring a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to norepinephrine . This enzyme is classified under the EC number 2.1.1.28 and is a member of the methyltransferase family .

PNMT is primarily found in the adrenal medulla, where it is responsible for the production of adrenaline . It is also expressed in small groups of neurons in the human brain and in selected populations of cardiomyocytes . The enzyme consists of 282 amino acids and has an active enzyme site between amino acids 14-279 . Human PNMT shares 81% amino acid sequence identity with mouse PNMT .

PNMT is predominantly expressed in the adrenal medulla, but it is also found in other tissues such as the brain and heart . The expression of PNMT is regulated by various factors, including glucocorticoids, which enhance its expression in the adrenal medulla .

The primary function of PNMT is to catalyze the final step in the biosynthesis of catecholamines, converting norepinephrine to epinephrine . This conversion is essential for the production of adrenaline, a hormone that plays a critical role in the body’s fight-or-flight response . Additionally, PNMT has beta-carboline 2N-methyltransferase activity .

PNMT catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from SAM to norepinephrine, converting it into epinephrine . The enzyme works by bringing the cofactor SAM and the substrate norepinephrine together in close proximity, allowing the reactive methyl group to be transferred to the primary amine of the norepinephrine molecule .

The expression and activity of PNMT are regulated by various factors, including glucocorticoids and other signaling molecules . Glucocorticoids enhance the expression of PNMT in the adrenal medulla, thereby increasing the production of adrenaline .

Mouse anti-human PNMT antibodies are used in research to study the expression and function of PNMT in various tissues. These antibodies are typically validated for use in techniques such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry .