Description
Monoamine oxidase B is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MAOB gene. It is a member of the flavin monoamine oxidase family. MAOB catalyzes the oxidative deamination of biogenic and xenobiotic amines and plays an important role in the metabolism of neuroactive and vasoactive amines in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. This protein preferentially degrades benzylamine and phenylethylamine. Like MAOA, it also degrades dopamine. MAOB is involved in the breakdown of dopamine, a neurotransmitter implicated in reinforcing and motivating behaviors as well as movement. MAOB inhibition is, therefore, associated with enhanced activity of dopamine, as well as with decreased production of hydrogen peroxide, a source of reactive oxygen species