Rasagiline mesylate, MAO-B inhibitor

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B) are enzymes that reside primarily in the outer membrane of mitochondria. They catalyze the oxidative deamination of monoamines which include neurotransmitters such as serotonin dopamine and norepinephrine. MAO-A has a molecular mass of approximately 59 kDa while MAO-B is around 58 kDa. These enzymes are expressed in various tissues with high levels in the brain liver and gastrointestinal tract. They are also known as MAO-A and MAO-B and they play a critical role in regulation of synaptic neurotransmitter levels.

Biological function summary

These enzymes are important for modulating the activity and concentration of neurotransmitters within the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. MAO enzymes ensure proper neurotransmitter homeostasis which affects mood arousal and stress response. They do not form part of larger enzyme complexes but regulate neurotransmitter concentrations individually. The functional balance between MAO-A and MAO-B activity is important for maintaining normal physiological and psychological states.

Pathways

These enzymes are integral to the catecholamine and serotonin degradation pathways. MAO-A preferentially degrades serotonin and norepinephrine whereas MAO-B primarily acts on phenylethylamine and benzylamine although both can oxidize dopamine. Related proteins within these pathways include catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and aldehyde dehydrogenases which continue the breakdown processes of monoamines into their final excretory products.

Dysfunction of MAO-A and MAO-B has links to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. MAO-A abnormalities are associated with depression and mood disorders while altered MAO-B activity correlates with Parkinson’s disease. The imbalance involving these enzymes can affect neurotransmitter levels leading to disease progression. Proteins such as alpha-synuclein associated with Parkinson's disease have connections to MAO-B through their functional roles in dopaminergic neuron degeneration.