Monoamine oxidase:
from genes to behavior
by
Shih JC, Chen K, Ridd MJ
Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology,
School of Pharmacy,
University of Southern California,
Los Angeles 90033, USA.
jcshih@hsc.usc.edu
Annu Rev Neurosci 1999; 22:197-217

ABSTRACT

Cloning of MAO (monoamine oxidase) A and B has demonstrated unequivocally that these enzymes are made up of different polypeptides, and our understanding of MAO structure, regulation, and function has been significantly advanced by studies using their cDNA. MAO A and B genes are located on the X-chromosome (Xp11.23) and comprise 15 exons with identical intron-exon organization, which suggests that they are derived from the same ancestral gene. MAO A and B knock-out mice exhibit distinct differences in neurotransmitter metabolism and behavior. MAO A knock-out mice have elevated brain levels of serotonin, norephinephrine, and dopamine and manifest aggressive behavior similar to human males with a deletion of MAO A. In contrast, MAO B knock-out mice do not exhibit aggression and only levels of phenylethylamine are increased. Mice lacking MAO B are resistant to the Parkinsongenic neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetra-hydropyridine. Both MAO A and B knock-out mice show increased reactivity to stress. These knock-out mice are valuable models for investigating the role of monoamines in psychoses and neurodegenerative and stress-related disorders.

MAO
RIMAs
MAOIs
MAO(B)
Reward
TV3326
Pargyline
Selegiline
Rasagiline
Phenelzine
Safinamide
Befloxatone
Brofaromine
Moclobemide
Isocarboxazid
Tranylcypromine
Atypical depression
Drugs for depression
MAOIs plus stimulants
MAO, emotion and stress
Tobacco smoke and MAO inhibition
Genetic variation in MAO-A and human personality

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