The catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT) and cognitive function from childhood through adolescence

► COMT gene can influence cognitive function in developmental stage specific manner. ► A large UK population-based sample with cognition measured at ages 8 and 15 years was used. ► Five functional COMT SNPs were tested for association with cognition. ► COMT rs737865 showed association with reading comprehension, verbal ability and global cognition at age 15 years in pubescent boys only. ► Further studies are necessary in order to make stronger conclusions.