MAOA Human

MAO-A is a flavoenzyme, meaning it contains a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a prosthetic group. The enzyme’s active site is designed to facilitate the deamination process, which involves the removal of an amine group from a molecule . The structure of human MAO-A has been studied extensively, revealing that it crystallizes as a monomeric form, unlike its counterpart MAO-B, which forms dimers .

Human recombinant MAO-A is typically expressed in baculovirus-infected BTI insect cells . This recombinant form is used in various research applications, including the study of abnormal behaviors linked to MAO-A deficiencies and the investigation of the enzyme’s role in smoking-related inhibition . The recombinant enzyme retains the same functional properties as the native enzyme, making it a valuable tool for biochemical and pharmacological studies.

MAO-A has significant implications in both clinical and research settings. It is involved in the metabolism of neuroactive and vasoactive amines in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues . Abnormal activity of MAO-A has been linked to various psychiatric and neurological disorders, including depression and anxiety. As a result, MAO-A inhibitors are used as antidepressants, highlighting the enzyme’s therapeutic potential .