Enzymatic O-Methylation of N-Acetylserotonin to Melatonin

Abstract

An enzyme, hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase, that can transfer the methyl group of S-adenosylmethionine to the hydroxy group of N-acetylserotonin to form the hormone melatonin is described. This enzyme, which is highly localized in the pineal gland, also O-methylates serotonin.