Amine oxidase enzyme (AO)

Amine oxidase enzymes are a diverse family of oxidoreductases that catalyze the oxidative deamination of primary and secondary amines, including key neurotransmitters and polyamines, producing aldehydes, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide[3][5]. These enzymes include flavin-dependent monoamine oxidases (MAO-A, MAO-B), copper-dependent amine oxidases (CAO, DAO, SSAO), and the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family[1][3][5][6]. They regulate cellular amine levels, cell adhesion, inflammation, and signaling, and are implicated in diseases such as depression, neurodegeneration, cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular disorders. Pharmacological inhibition of specific amine oxidases is a therapeutic strategy employed for neuropsychiatric, oncological, and inflammatory indications. Safety concerns arise from adverse metabolic effects of inhibition and the potential for increased oxidative stress[4][5].

Other names

Monoamine oxidase (MAO)Diamine oxidase (DAO)Polyamine oxidaseSemicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO)Copper amine oxidase (CAO)Lysyl oxidase (LOX)Primary-amine oxidase

Inhibition of oxidative deamination of amines, stabilizing neurotransmitter or polyamine levels (MAOI for depression, Parkinson's); Inhibition of hydrogen peroxide and aldehyde formation (reducing oxidative stress or cell death); Blocking cell adhesion and migration pathways (for vascular inflammation or metastasis, targeting VAP-1/AOC3)