MAO B Human
Description
The MAO-B is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) is a flavin-containing mitochondrial enzyme belonging to the flavin monoamine oxidase family. It plays a crucial role in catalyzing the oxidative deamination of both biogenic and xenobiotic monoamines. MAO-B is essential for regulating the metabolic breakdown of catecholamines and serotonin in various tissues, including neural tissues. Found in platelets and DOPA-secreting brain neurons, MAO-B, along with MAOA, is vital for DOPA degradation. It exhibits a preference for degrading benzylamine and phenylethylamine. The MAOB gene has been linked to autistic traits, empathy, and Asperger syndrome. Elevated levels of MAO-B are observed in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Low MAOB activity in newborns can lead to high phenylethylamine levels, contributing to phenylketonuria. Furthermore, polymorphisms in the MAO-B gene have been associated with smoking behavior.
Product Science Overview
MAO-B is a flavin-containing enzyme that is predominantly found in the brain, particularly in the outer mitochondrial membrane of neurons and glial cells . It catalyzes the oxidative deamination of monoamines, which is a critical process for the regulation of neurotransmitter levels in the brain. This enzyme preferentially degrades phenethylamine and benzylamine, which are important for maintaining normal neurological function .
Recombinant MAO-B is produced using genetic engineering techniques, where the human MAO-B gene is inserted into a host cell, such as baculovirus-infected BTI insect cells, to produce the enzyme in large quantities . This recombinant form is used extensively in research to study the enzyme’s properties, its role in various neurological disorders, and to screen for potential MAO-B inhibitors .
MAO-B inhibitors are used in the treatment of several neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and depression . By inhibiting the activity of MAO-B, these drugs help to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which can alleviate symptoms of these conditions. Additionally, MAO-B has been studied as a biomarker for reactive astrogliosis in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias .
Research on MAO-B has expanded our understanding of its role in neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have shown that MAO-B expression is significantly upregulated in reactive astrocytes in Alzheimer’s disease, making it a potential target for PET imaging radiotracers . This enzyme’s activity is also being explored in the context of other neurological conditions, such as Lewy body diseases and frontotemporal lobar degenerations .
