DEFINITION
Monoamine oxidases (MAO) (EC 1.4.3.4) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of monoamines, employing oxygen to clip off their amine group. They are found bound to the outer membrane of mitochondria in most cell types of the body. The MAOs belong to the protein family of flavin-containing amine oxidoreductases.
MAOs are important in the breakdown of monoamines ingested in food, and also serve to inactivate monoamine neurotransmitters. Because of the latter, they are involved in a number of psychiatric and neurological diseases, some of which can be treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) which block the action of MAOs.
In humans, there are two types of MAO:
THE GENE
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND IMAGES
When relevant for the function
- Primary structure
- Secondary structure
- Tertiary structure
- Quaternary structure
Protein Aminoacids Percentage
The Protein Aminoacids Percentage gives useful information on the local environment and the metabolic status of the cell (starvation, lack of essential AA, hypoxia)
Protein Aminoacids Percentage (Width 700 px)
SYNTHESIS AND TURNOVER
mRNA synthesis
protein synthesis
MAO expression and hypoxia
post-translational modifications
degradation
CELLULAR FUNCTIONS
cellular localization
Both are found in neurons and astroglia.
Outside the central nervous system:
- MAO-A is also found in the liver, pulmonary vascular endothelium, gastrointestinal tract, and placenta.
- MAO-B is mostly found in blood platelets.
biological function
- Cell signaling and Ligand transport
- Structural proteins
REGULATION
INHIBITORS
Rasagiline
Selegiline (Jumex)
DIAGNOSTIC USE
