Monoamine Oxidase
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme family critical for the catabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. There are two main types, MAO-A and MAO-B, each with specific substrate preferences and tissue distributions. MAO-A primarily breaks down serotonin and norepinephrine, while MAO-B primarily metabolizes phenylethylamine and benzylamine. Located in the outer mitochondrial membrane of cells in the brain, liver, and other tissues, MAOs play essential roles in regulating mood, arousal, and motor control. Dysregulation of MAO activity is linked to several psychiatric and neurological disorders, making MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) valuable in treating depression and Parkinson’s disease by enhancing neurotransmitter levels and reducing oxidative stress.