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Monoamine oxidase Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Monoamine Oxidases: Structure, Function, and Clinical Significance

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Monoamine Oxidases: Structure, Function, and Clinical Significance Study Guide

Monoamine Oxidases: Enzyme Fundamentals and Discovery

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are enzymes classified under EC 1.4.3.4 that catalyze the oxidation of monoamines by removing the amine group.

Answer: True

Explanation: Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are indeed classified under EC 1.4.3.4 and function by catalyzing the oxidative deamination of monoamines, which involves the removal of the amine group.

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Monoamine oxidases are typically found bound to the outer membrane of mitochondria in most cell types.

Answer: True

Explanation: The cellular localization of monoamine oxidases is primarily the outer membrane of mitochondria across various cell types.

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The first monoamine oxidase enzyme was discovered in 1928 by Mary Bernheim in the liver and was initially named tyramine oxidase.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical accounts confirm that Mary Bernheim discovered the first MAO enzyme in 1928 in the liver, initially naming it tyramine oxidase.

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Monoamine oxidases belong to the protein family of flavin-containing amine oxidoreductases, relying on FAD as a cofactor.

Answer: True

Explanation: MAOs are classified within the flavin-containing amine oxidoreductases family, utilizing flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as an essential cofactor for their enzymatic activity.

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MAOs play a dual role in breaking down ingested monoamines and inactivating monoamine neurotransmitters.

Answer: True

Explanation: Monoamine oxidases are critical for both the metabolic breakdown of dietary monoamines and the inactivation of endogenous monoamine neurotransmitters, thereby regulating their physiological concentrations.

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The catalytic mechanism of monoamine oxidases involves oxidative deamination, where FAD oxidizes the monoamine substrate to form an imine.

Answer: True

Explanation: The catalytic process of MAOs involves oxidative deamination, wherein the FAD cofactor facilitates the oxidation of the monoamine substrate to an imine intermediate.

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The CAS registry number for monoamine oxidase is 9001-66-5.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number for monoamine oxidase is 9001-66-5.

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Monoamine oxidase catalyzes the oxidative deamination of monoamines, a process requiring oxygen to regenerate the active FAD cofactor.

Answer: True

Explanation: The enzymatic reaction catalyzed by monoamine oxidase involves oxidative deamination, which necessitates molecular oxygen for the regeneration of the FAD cofactor from its reduced state.

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Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are enzymes classified under EC 1.4.3.4 that catalyze the reduction of monoamines using oxygen.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAOs catalyze the oxidation, not reduction, of monoamines. The process is oxidative deamination, not reduction.

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Monoamine oxidases are primarily located within the cytoplasm of cells, free-floating rather than membrane-bound.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAOs are primarily membrane-bound, specifically located on the outer mitochondrial membrane, not free-floating in the cytoplasm.

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The first monoamine oxidase enzyme was discovered in 1928 by Mary Bernheim in the brain and was initially named monoamine oxidase.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first MAO enzyme was discovered by Mary Bernheim in 1928, but it was found in the liver, not the brain, and was initially named tyramine oxidase.

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MAOs belong to the protein family of hydrolases and do not require any cofactors for their function.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAOs are classified as oxidoreductases, not hydrolases, and critically require FAD as a cofactor for their enzymatic activity.

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MAOs primarily serve to synthesize monoamine neurotransmitters within the body.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAOs function in the catabolism (breakdown) of monoamine neurotransmitters, not their synthesis.

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The catalytic mechanism of monoamine oxidases involves reduction of the substrate, requiring NADPH as a cofactor.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAOs catalyze oxidative deamination, not reduction, and utilize FAD as a cofactor, not NADPH.

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The nucleophilic model and hydride transfer are the only proposed models for electron transfer in monoamine oxidases, with strong supporting evidence.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the nucleophilic model and hydride transfer are proposed mechanisms, there are other models, and strong supporting evidence for any single model is still debated.

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What is the fundamental enzymatic function of monoamine oxidases (MAOs)?

Answer: Catalyzing the oxidation of monoamines by removing the amine group.

Explanation: MAOs catalyze the oxidative deamination of monoamines, a process involving the removal of the amine group.

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Where are monoamine oxidases primarily located within cells?

Answer: Bound to the outer membrane of mitochondria.

Explanation: Monoamine oxidases are predominantly localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane in most cell types.

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Who discovered the first monoamine oxidase enzyme, and what was its initial name?

Answer: Mary Bernheim, tyramine oxidase.

Explanation: The first MAO enzyme was discovered by Mary Bernheim in 1928 and was initially named tyramine oxidase.

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To which protein family do monoamine oxidases belong?

Answer: Flavin-containing amine oxidoreductases

Explanation: Monoamine oxidases are classified as flavin-containing amine oxidoreductases due to their structure and reliance on FAD.

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What are the two main roles of MAOs in the body concerning monoamines?

Answer: Breaking down ingested monoamines and inactivating neurotransmitters.

Explanation: MAOs perform a dual function: metabolizing dietary monoamines and inactivating endogenous monoamine neurotransmitters.

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What is the role of FAD in the catalytic mechanism of monoamine oxidases?

Answer: It oxidizes the monoamine substrate, forming an imine.

Explanation: In the catalytic mechanism, FAD oxidizes the monoamine substrate, leading to the formation of an imine intermediate.

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What is the CAS registry number for monoamine oxidase?

Answer: 9001-66-5

Explanation: The CAS registry number for monoamine oxidase is 9001-66-5.

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What specific reaction does monoamine oxidase catalyze involving FAD?

Answer: Oxidative deamination, forming an imine and FADH2.

Explanation: Monoamine oxidase catalyzes oxidative deamination, a reaction where FAD oxidizes the substrate to an imine, generating FADH2.

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Monoamine Oxidases: Subtypes MAO-A and MAO-B

MAO-A and MAO-B are the two primary subtypes of monoamine oxidase found in humans.

Answer: True

Explanation: Humans possess two principal subtypes of monoamine oxidase: MAO-A and MAO-B, which exhibit distinct substrate specificities and tissue distributions.

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Monoamine Oxidases: Distribution and Substrate Specificity

Both MAO-A and MAO-B are found within neurons and astroglia in the central nervous system.

Answer: True

Explanation: Within the central nervous system, both MAO-A and MAO-B are expressed in neuronal and astroglial cells.

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Outside the CNS, MAO-A is found in the liver, pulmonary vascular endothelium, gastrointestinal tract, and placenta.

Answer: True

Explanation: Extracerebral distribution of MAO-A includes significant presence in the liver, pulmonary vascular endothelium, gastrointestinal tract, and placenta.

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MAO-B is predominantly found in blood platelets outside the central nervous system.

Answer: True

Explanation: Beyond the central nervous system, MAO-B exhibits a predominant localization in blood platelets.

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MAO-B levels are nearly undetectable in the infant brain, while MAO-A levels are approximately 80% of adult levels at birth.

Answer: True

Explanation: Developmental studies indicate that MAO-B is largely undetectable in the infant brain, whereas MAO-A levels are substantial, reaching approximately 80% of adult concentrations at birth.

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Within the human brain, the striatum and globus pallidus have significant amounts of MAO-B with very little MAO-A.

Answer: True

Explanation: Neuroanatomical studies reveal that the striatum and globus pallidus are characterized by substantial MAO-B presence and minimal MAO-A.

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Studies indicate MAO-A concentrations correlate with regions rich in serotonergic neurotransmission, while MAO-B levels correlate with norepinephrine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Research suggests a correlation between MAO-A concentrations and serotonergic pathways, while MAO-B levels are associated with noradrenergic systems.

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MAO-A is primarily responsible for the catabolism of serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Answer: True

Explanation: MAO-A exhibits a primary role in the metabolic breakdown of key monoamines, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

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MAO-B primarily metabolizes phenethylamine and benzylamine.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phenethylamine and benzylamine are recognized as primary substrates for the MAO-B enzyme.

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Both MAO-A and MAO-B metabolize dopamine, tyramine, and tryptamine, although MAO-B might not be significantly involved in dopamine degradation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dopamine, tyramine, and tryptamine are substrates for both MAO-A and MAO-B, with MAO-B's contribution to dopamine degradation being considered less significant.

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Besides major neurotransmitters, MAOs also act on endogenous compounds like telemethylhistamine and N-acetylputrescine.

Answer: True

Explanation: MAOs metabolize not only primary neurotransmitters but also endogenous compounds such as telemethylhistamine and N-acetylputrescine.

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Various exogenous compounds and drugs, including sympathomimetics like phenylephrine and substituted tryptamines like dimethyltryptamine (DMT), are substrates for MAOs.

Answer: True

Explanation: Exogenous substances, including pharmaceuticals like phenylephrine and dimethyltryptamine (DMT), are recognized substrates for MAO enzymes.

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Serotonin is deaminated by MAO to form 5-hydroxyindoleacetaldehyde.

Answer: True

Explanation: The oxidative deamination of serotonin by MAO yields 5-hydroxyindoleacetaldehyde.

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MAO-A primarily metabolizes phenethylamine and benzylamine, while MAO-B metabolizes serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement incorrectly assigns substrate specificities. MAO-A primarily metabolizes serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, while MAO-B preferentially metabolizes phenethylamine and benzylamine.

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MAO-B is predominantly found in the liver and placenta outside the central nervous system.

Answer: False

Explanation: Outside the CNS, MAO-A is predominantly found in the liver and placenta, whereas MAO-B is primarily located in blood platelets.

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The striatum and globus pallidus in the human brain contain high concentrations of MAO-A and minimal MAO-B.

Answer: False

Explanation: The striatum and globus pallidus are characterized by significant amounts of MAO-B and very little MAO-A, contrary to the statement.

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MAO-A is the primary subtype found in blood platelets, while MAO-B is predominantly found in the liver and gastrointestinal tract.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAO-B is predominantly found in blood platelets outside the CNS, while MAO-A is found in the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and placenta.

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MAO-B levels are significantly higher in the infant brain compared to adult levels, while MAO-A levels are nearly undetectable at birth.

Answer: False

Explanation: Infant brains have nearly undetectable MAO-B levels, while MAO-A levels are approximately 80% of adult levels at birth, which is the opposite of the statement.

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The cortex generally has high MAO-B levels, with the striatum and globus pallidus having high MAO-A levels.

Answer: False

Explanation: The cortex generally has high MAO-A levels, while the striatum and globus pallidus have high MAO-B levels with minimal MAO-A.

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Studies suggest MAO-A concentrations correlate with regions rich in dopaminergic neurotransmission, while MAO-B levels correlate with serotonergic neurotransmission.

Answer: False

Explanation: Studies indicate MAO-A concentrations correlate with serotonergic neurotransmission, while MAO-B levels correlate with norepinephrine, not dopaminergic or serotonergic respectively.

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Dopamine, tyramine, and tryptamine are exclusively metabolized by MAO-B.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dopamine, tyramine, and tryptamine are metabolized by both MAO-A and MAO-B, not exclusively by MAO-B.

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Serotonin is deaminated by MAO to form 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL).

Answer: False

Explanation: The oxidative deamination of serotonin by MAO yields 5-hydroxyindoleacetaldehyde, not DOPAL, which is derived from dopamine.

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Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily metabolized by MAO-A?

Answer: Serotonin

Explanation: MAO-A is primarily responsible for the catabolism of serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

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Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily metabolized by MAO-B?

Answer: Phenethylamine

Explanation: MAO-B primarily metabolizes phenethylamine and benzylamine.

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Which monoamines are metabolized by both MAO-A and MAO-B?

Answer: Dopamine, Tyramine, and Tryptamine

Explanation: Dopamine, tyramine, and tryptamine are substrates for both MAO-A and MAO-B.

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Where are MAO-A and MAO-B enzymes found within the central nervous system?

Answer: Within neurons and astroglia.

Explanation: Both MAO-A and MAO-B are distributed within neurons and astroglia throughout the central nervous system.

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Outside the central nervous system, where is MAO-A primarily found?

Answer: Liver, pulmonary vascular endothelium, GI tract, and placenta.

Explanation: Beyond the CNS, MAO-A is predominantly located in the liver, pulmonary vascular endothelium, gastrointestinal tract, and placenta.

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Which of the following is a primary location for MAO-B outside the central nervous system?

Answer: Blood platelets

Explanation: Outside the CNS, MAO-B is predominantly found in blood platelets.

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How do MAO-A and MAO-B levels differ between infants and adults, particularly in the brain?

Answer: MAO-A levels are high, and MAO-B is nearly undetectable.

Explanation: In the infant brain, MAO-A levels are substantial (approx. 80% of adult levels), while MAO-B is nearly undetectable.

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In the human brain, which regions are noted for having very high concentrations of both MAO-A and MAO-B?

Answer: Hypothalamus and Hippocampal Uncus

Explanation: The hypothalamus and the hippocampal uncus are brain regions characterized by very high concentrations of both MAO-A and MAO-B.

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What correlation has been observed between MAO-B levels in the brain and specific neurotransmitter systems?

Answer: MAO-B correlates with norepinephrine.

Explanation: Studies suggest that MAO-B levels in the brain correlate with norepinephrine systems, while MAO-A correlates with serotonergic systems.

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Which of the following is an example of an endogenous compound, besides major neurotransmitters, that is a substrate for MAOs?

Answer: Telemethylhistamine

Explanation: Telemethylhistamine is an endogenous compound, besides major neurotransmitters, that serves as a substrate for MAO enzymes.

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Which of the following drugs is mentioned as an exogenous substrate for MAO enzymes?

Answer: Sumatriptan

Explanation: Sumatriptan is cited as an example of an exogenous drug that acts as a substrate for MAO enzymes.

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Which aldehyde product is formed from the oxidative deamination of dopamine by MAO?

Answer: 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL)

Explanation: The oxidative deamination of dopamine by MAO yields 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL).

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Which of the following is NOT a primary substrate for MAO-A?

Answer: Phenethylamine

Explanation: Phenethylamine is primarily metabolized by MAO-B, not MAO-A. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine are primary substrates for MAO-A.

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Which of the following is NOT a primary substrate for MAO-B?

Answer: Serotonin

Explanation: Serotonin is primarily metabolized by MAO-A. Phenethylamine, benzylamine, and dopamine are primary substrates for MAO-B.

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Which of the following is NOT a location for MAO-A outside the central nervous system?

Answer: Blood platelets

Explanation: Blood platelets are a primary location for MAO-B outside the CNS. MAO-A is predominantly found in the liver, pulmonary vascular endothelium, gastrointestinal tract, and placenta.

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Monoamine Oxidases: Genetics and Molecular Aspects

MAO-A and MAO-B share approximately 70% of their structure and possess substrate binding sites that are largely hydrophobic.

Answer: True

Explanation: MAO-A and MAO-B exhibit significant structural homology, sharing approximately 70% of their amino acid sequence, and feature predominantly hydrophobic substrate binding pockets.

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The genes encoding MAO-A and MAO-B are situated adjacent to each other on the short arm of the X chromosome.

Answer: True

Explanation: The genes responsible for MAO-A and MAO-B are located in close proximity on the short arm of the human X chromosome.

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Rare mutations in the MAO-A gene are associated with Brunner syndrome.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brunner syndrome is a genetic condition linked to rare mutations affecting the MAO-A gene.

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The Dunedin cohort study suggested that maltreated children with a low-activity MAO-A gene promoter polymorphism were more likely to develop antisocial conduct disorders.

Answer: True

Explanation: Longitudinal studies, such as the Dunedin cohort study, have indicated a potential gene-environment interaction, where maltreated children with a low-activity MAO-A promoter polymorphism show an increased propensity for antisocial conduct disorders.

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A specific MAO-A gene variant, sometimes called the "warrior gene," has been linked to a predisposition to novelty seeking.

Answer: True

Explanation: Certain variants of the MAO-A gene have been associated with personality traits, including a predisposition towards novelty seeking.

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The genes for MAO-A and MAO-B are located on the X chromosome, specifically on the short arm (p11.4-p11.3).

Answer: True

Explanation: The genetic loci for MAO-A and MAO-B are situated on the X chromosome, specifically within the p11.4-p11.3 region of the short arm.

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The tyrosine residues Tyr398 and Tyr435 in MAO-B are hypothesized to be important for orienting substrates within the binding pocket.

Answer: True

Explanation: Specific tyrosine residues, such as Tyr398 and Tyr435 in MAO-B, are proposed to play a critical role in substrate orientation within the enzyme's active site.

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Maltreated children with a low-activity variant of the MAO-A gene promoter may have a higher likelihood of developing adolescent conduct disorder.

Answer: True

Explanation: Evidence suggests that a low-activity variant of the MAO-A gene promoter may increase the risk for adolescent conduct disorder in individuals who have experienced childhood maltreatment.

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The genes for MAO-A and MAO-B share approximately 70% sequence similarity and are located on chromosome 1.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the genes for MAO-A and MAO-B share approximately 70% sequence similarity, they are located on the X chromosome, not chromosome 1.

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MAO-A and MAO-B share less than 50% of their structure and have completely different substrate binding pockets.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAO-A and MAO-B share approximately 70% of their structure and possess largely similar, albeit distinct, substrate binding pockets.

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MAO-A and MAO-B share approximately what percentage of their structure?

Answer: 70%

Explanation: MAO-A and MAO-B exhibit significant structural similarity, sharing approximately 70% of their amino acid sequence.

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Where are the genes for MAO-A and MAO-B located in the human genome?

Answer: Chromosome X, short arm.

Explanation: The genes encoding MAO-A and MAO-B are located on the short arm of the X chromosome.

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What genetic condition is associated with rare mutations in the MAO-A gene?

Answer: Brunner syndrome

Explanation: Brunner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder linked to mutations in the MAO-A gene.

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What did the Dunedin cohort study suggest about the interaction between MAO-A gene variants and childhood maltreatment?

Answer: Maltreated children with low-activity MAO-A were more likely to develop antisocial behavior.

Explanation: The Dunedin cohort study indicated that childhood maltreatment combined with a low-activity MAO-A gene promoter polymorphism increased the likelihood of developing antisocial conduct disorders.

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What is the proposed biological mechanism linking low MAO-A activity to antisocial behavior in maltreated individuals?

Answer: Reduced degradation of norepinephrine, potentially leading to heightened sympathetic responses.

Explanation: The proposed mechanism suggests that reduced MAO-A activity impairs norepinephrine degradation, potentially leading to heightened sympathetic responses and contributing to antisocial behavior.

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What criticism has been raised regarding the link between MAO-A genotype, maltreatment, and antisocial behavior?

Answer: Genetic predispositions might be inherited from abusive parents through other genes.

Explanation: A criticism of the MAO-A genotype-maltreatment link is that genetic predispositions to antisocial behavior might be inherited from parents through genes other than MAO-A.

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What is the gene symbol for monoamine oxidase A?

Answer: MAOA

Explanation: The official gene symbol for monoamine oxidase A is MAOA.

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What is the significance of tyrosine residues (e.g., Tyr398, Tyr435 in MAO-B) in the binding pocket of MAO enzymes?

Answer: They are important for orienting substrates within the binding pocket.

Explanation: Tyrosine residues within the MAO binding pocket are hypothesized to be crucial for correctly orienting the substrate molecules for catalysis.

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What is the primary criticism regarding the link between MAO-A genotype, maltreatment, and antisocial behavior?

Answer: Genetic predispositions might be inherited from abusive parents through other genes.

Explanation: A key criticism is that genetic predispositions to antisocial behavior may be inherited from abusive parents via genes other than the MAO-A variant.

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Which of the following is a criticism regarding the link between MAO-A genotype, maltreatment, and antisocial behavior?

Answer: Genetic predispositions might be inherited from abusive parents through other genes.

Explanation: A criticism of the MAO-A genotype-maltreatment link is that genetic predispositions to antisocial behavior may be inherited from abusive parents via genes other than the MAO-A variant.

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Monoamine Oxidases: Clinical Significance and Therapeutics

MAO dysfunction is believed to contribute to disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and migraines.

Answer: True

Explanation: Dysregulation of MAO activity is implicated in the pathophysiology of various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, depression, and migraines.

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MAOIs are often reserved for last-line treatment for depression due to potential interactions with certain foods and medications causing hypertensive crisis.

Answer: True

Explanation: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are frequently employed as later-line treatments for depression owing to the risk of severe adverse events, such as hypertensive crisis, resulting from interactions with tyramine-rich foods and certain medications.

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MAO-A inhibitors generally act as antidepressant and anti-anxiety agents.

Answer: True

Explanation: MAO-A inhibitors are primarily utilized for their antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.

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MAO-B inhibitors are used for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Answer: True

Explanation: MAO-B inhibitors find application in the therapeutic management of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

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The sleep disruption in African trypanosomiasis is partly attributed to the trypanosomes' ability to interfere with MAO activity within the host's orexin system.

Answer: True

Explanation: The pathogenesis of sleep disturbances in African trypanosomiasis is linked to the parasite's interference with host MAO activity, specifically within the orexin system.

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Excessive levels of catecholamines can lead to serotonin syndrome, while excessive serotonin can cause a hypertensive crisis.

Answer: False

Explanation: The relationship is reversed: excessive levels of catecholamines can precipitate a hypertensive crisis, whereas excessive serotonin is associated with serotonin syndrome.

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The "cheese effect" refers to a hypertensive crisis caused by MAOIs interacting with tyramine-rich foods, preventing a rise in blood pressure.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'cheese effect' describes a hypertensive crisis resulting from MAOIs interacting with tyramine-rich foods, which *allows* tyramine levels to rise dangerously, rather than preventing a rise.

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MAOIs are generally considered safe for concurrent use with aged cheeses and certain medications due to minimal risk of adverse effects.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAOIs require careful management due to significant risks of adverse effects, particularly hypertensive crisis, when combined with tyramine-rich foods (like aged cheeses) and certain medications.

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MAOIs are typically considered first-line treatments for depression due to their rapid onset and minimal side effects.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAOIs are generally not considered first-line treatments for depression due to their potential for significant side effects and drug/food interactions, often making them a last-line option.

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MAO-A inhibitors are primarily used for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAO-A inhibitors are primarily used as antidepressants and anti-anxiety agents. MAO-B inhibitors are typically used for conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

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African trypanosomiasis causes sleep disruption by directly destroying MAO enzymes in the host's brain.

Answer: False

Explanation: African trypanosomiasis disrupts sleep by interfering with MAO activity within the host's orexin system, not by directly destroying the enzymes.

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The "cheese effect" refers to a hypertensive crisis that can occur if MAOIs are taken concurrently with foods high in tyramine, allowing tyramine levels to rise dangerously.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'cheese effect' accurately describes the hypertensive crisis resulting from concurrent MAOI use and tyramine-rich foods, due to the unchecked rise in tyramine levels.

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Excessive levels of catecholamines can lead to serotonin syndrome.

Answer: False

Explanation: Excessive levels of catecholamines are associated with hypertensive crisis, while excessive serotonin levels lead to serotonin syndrome.

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MAO dysfunction is believed to contribute to which of the following disorders?

Answer: Schizophrenia and Depression

Explanation: Dysregulation of MAO activity is implicated in the development or exacerbation of disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.

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Why are MAOIs often considered last-line treatments for depression?

Answer: They can cause dangerous side effects like hypertensive crisis due to food/drug interactions.

Explanation: MAOIs are often reserved for last-line treatment due to the potential for severe adverse effects, including hypertensive crisis, arising from interactions with specific foods and medications.

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What are the primary therapeutic applications of MAO-A inhibitors?

Answer: Acting as antidepressants and anti-anxiety agents.

Explanation: MAO-A inhibitors are primarily utilized for their efficacy as antidepressant and anti-anxiety agents.

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What is the link between African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, and MAO activity?

Answer: Trypanosomes interfere with MAO activity in the host's orexin system.

Explanation: African trypanosomiasis is linked to MAO activity through the parasite's interference with the host's orexin system, contributing to sleep disturbances.

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Excessive levels of which type of neurotransmitter can lead to a hypertensive crisis?

Answer: Catecholamines

Explanation: Excessive levels of catecholamines, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine, are known to precipitate a hypertensive crisis.

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What does the "cheese effect" refer to in relation to MAOIs?

Answer: A hypertensive crisis caused by tyramine interactions with MAOIs.

Explanation: The 'cheese effect' describes a potentially dangerous hypertensive crisis that can occur when MAOIs interact with tyramine found in aged cheeses and other foods.

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What is the primary function of MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) in treating depression?

Answer: To block the action of MAO enzymes, increasing neurotransmitter levels.

Explanation: MAOIs function by inhibiting MAO enzymes, thereby preventing the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters and increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft.

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What is the potential consequence of excessive serotonin levels in the body, related to MAO function?

Answer: Serotonin syndrome

Explanation: Excessive serotonin levels in the body can lead to a condition known as serotonin syndrome.

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Monoamine Oxidases: Special Topics and Research Insights

Recent research suggests MAO-B in the rodent striatum synthesizes GABA from putrescine, which then inhibits dopaminergic neurons.

Answer: True

Explanation: Emerging research indicates that MAO-B in the rodent striatum may play a role in GABA synthesis from putrescine, potentially modulating dopaminergic neuronal activity.

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In rats, dopamine is primarily deaminated by MAO-A, whereas in humans and vervet monkeys, MAO-B is the primary enzyme responsible.

Answer: True

Explanation: Species-specific differences exist in dopamine metabolism; rats primarily utilize MAO-A, while humans and vervet monkeys rely predominantly on MAO-B for this process.

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Mice lacking functional MAO-A or MAO-B exhibit autistic-like traits and show an increased response to stress.

Answer: True

Explanation: Genetic studies in mice reveal that the absence of functional MAO-A or MAO-B is associated with autistic-like behaviors and heightened stress reactivity.

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Certain insecticides, like chlordimeform, function by inhibiting MAO activity in some insect species.

Answer: True

Explanation: The mechanism of action for certain insecticides, such as chlordimeform, involves the inhibition of MAO enzymes within insect physiology.

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MAO-B activity increases in the brain and pineal gland during aging in humans and other mammals.

Answer: True

Explanation: Age-related changes include an observed increase in MAO-B activity within the brain and pineal gland across mammalian species.

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MAO-B facilitates the conversion of putrescine into GABA within astrocytes, a process important for regulating neuronal activity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Recent findings suggest that MAO-B in astrocytes contributes to GABA synthesis from putrescine, playing a role in neuronal regulation.

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The discovery of MAO-B's role in GABA synthesis might necessitate a re-evaluation of how MAO-B inhibitors are used in treating Parkinson's disease.

Answer: True

Explanation: The emerging understanding of MAO-B's involvement in GABA synthesis suggests that MAO-B inhibitors may have broader implications for Parkinson's disease treatment than previously recognized.

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The increase in MAO-B activity during aging might contribute to the decrease in monoamine levels commonly seen in older individuals.

Answer: True

Explanation: The age-related rise in MAO-B activity is hypothesized to be a factor in the decline of monoamine concentrations observed in aging populations.

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In vervet monkeys, dopamine is primarily deaminated by MAO-A, similar to rats.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, in vervet monkeys (and humans), dopamine is primarily deaminated by MAO-B, not MAO-A. Rats primarily use MAO-A for dopamine deamination.

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Recent research indicates MAO-B in the rodent striatum primarily degrades dopamine and plays a crucial role in its synthesis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Recent research suggests MAO-B in the rodent striatum primarily synthesizes GABA from putrescine, rather than degrading dopamine or playing a role in its synthesis.

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In rats, dopamine is primarily deaminated by MAO-B, whereas in humans, MAO-A is the primary enzyme responsible.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary enzyme responsible for dopamine deamination differs by species: rats utilize MAO-A, while humans and vervet monkeys utilize MAO-B.

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Mice lacking functional MAO-A or MAO-B exhibit enhanced cognitive function and reduced stress responses.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mice lacking functional MAO-A or MAO-B exhibit autistic-like traits and an increased response to stress, not enhanced cognitive function or reduced stress responses.

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MAO-B plays a role in the synthesis of dopamine from putrescine within astrocytes.

Answer: False

Explanation: MAO-B facilitates the synthesis of GABA from putrescine, not dopamine, within astrocytes.

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What recent finding (as of 2021) suggests a non-traditional role for MAO-B in the rodent striatum?

Answer: It synthesizes GABA from putrescine, inhibiting dopaminergic neurons.

Explanation: Recent research indicates that MAO-B in the rodent striatum may synthesize GABA from putrescine, thereby inhibiting dopaminergic neurons, suggesting a role beyond traditional monoamine degradation.

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What is a key difference in dopamine metabolism between rats and humans/vervet monkeys regarding MAO subtypes?

Answer: Rats use MAO-A, while humans/vervet monkeys use MAO-B for dopamine.

Explanation: Species differences are notable: rats primarily deaminate dopamine via MAO-A, whereas humans and vervet monkeys utilize MAO-B for this function.

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What behavioral traits have been observed in mice lacking functional MAO-A or MAO-B?

Answer: Autistic-like traits and increased response to stress.

Explanation: Mice genetically engineered to lack functional MAO-A or MAO-B exhibit behavioral phenotypes including autistic-like traits and heightened stress reactivity.

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How does MAO-B activity change with aging, and what is the potential impact?

Answer: Increases, potentially contributing to decreased monoamine levels.

Explanation: MAO-B activity increases with aging, which may contribute to the observed decrease in monoamine levels in older individuals.

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What role does MAO-B play in astrocytes according to recent findings?

Answer: Synthesizing GABA from putrescine.

Explanation: Recent research indicates that MAO-B in astrocytes synthesizes GABA from putrescine, contributing to neuronal regulation.

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What are the potential implications of MAO-B's role in GABA synthesis for treating Parkinson's disease?

Answer: It suggests MAO-B inhibitors might have broader effects than previously thought.

Explanation: The discovery of MAO-B's role in GABA synthesis implies that MAO-B inhibitors may exert broader therapeutic effects in conditions like Parkinson's disease than initially understood.

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What is the potential impact of increased MAO-B activity during aging?

Answer: It may contribute to decreased monoamine levels.

Explanation: The increase in MAO-B activity during aging may contribute to the decline in monoamine levels commonly observed in older individuals.

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What is the primary function of MAO-B in the rodent striatum according to recent research?

Answer: Synthesizing GABA from putrescine

Explanation: Recent research suggests MAO-B in the rodent striatum primarily synthesizes GABA from putrescine, a role distinct from traditional monoamine degradation.

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