MAOA

The MAOA gene codes for monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). MAO-A is an enzyme that helps break down the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine [R].

Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are collectively called monoamines [R]. 

High levels or activity of MAO-A result in low monoamine levels (due to increased breakdown). Conversely, low levels or activity of MAO-A result in high monoamine levels (due to decreased breakdown). 

High levels or activity of MAO-A have been linked to:

• Depression [R, R, R, R, R, R]

• Panic disorder [R, R, R, R, R, R, R]

• OCD [R, R, R]

• ADHD [R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R]

• Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease [R, R, R, R]

• Chronic fatigue syndrome [R]

• Migraines [R, R, R]

Low levels or activity of MAO-A have been linked to: 

• Aggressive and antisocial behavior [R, R, R, R]

• Autism spectrum disorder [R, R, R] 

• Schizophrenia [R, R, R, R]

• Suicidal ideation [R, R, R, R]

• Substance abuse [R, R, R, R, R]

• Obesity [R, R, R]

It’s important to note that research related to the health effects of MAO-A is complex. Findings are often conflicting or inconsistent. 

For example, high levels or activity of MAO-A have also been observed in certain cases of autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, suicide, and substance abuse [R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

Similarly, low levels or activity of MAO-A have been observed in certain cases of OCD and ADHD [R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R]. 

Catalyzes the oxidative deamination of biogenic and xenobiotic amines and has important functions in the metabolism of neuroactive and vasoactive amines in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. MAOA preferentially oxidizes biogenic amines such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine and epinephrine.

FIX: About The Warrior Gene (MAOA) And What To Do If You Have It

People with the major depressive disorder have an average of 34% more MAO-A in their brains. Accordingly, people with high producing MAO-A genes are more likely to have  major depression, suicide and sleep disturbances. This means that these neurotransmitters prevent major depression and can increase our mood, especially dopamine and serotonin.

Abused children with genes causing high levels of MAO-A were less likely to develop antisocial behavior. People with the low-activity MAO-A gene (2R, 3R) are overall more prone to violence. Specifically, when these people feel very provoked or socially isolated their aggression will come out.

People with low MAO-A are more likely to be risk takers.  They are also more likely to take revenge and use greater force if they get screwed over, but not for small screw overs.

Mice with low MAO-A are also more aggressive in general and are more likely to start turf wars. People and mice with low MAO-A are more impulsive and aggressive. People with low MAO-A who are abused as kids show more aggressive behavior as an adult. People with low MAO-A (3R) who ALSO have high testosterone, poor living standards and/or low IQ are more prone to violence. So the perfect violence soup is low MAO-A, social isolation, high testosterone, being poor and having a low IQ.

More MAOA in certain regions can improve working memory (R). People who produce more MAO-A aren’t as affected by the placebo effect. (R) Mice treated with non-selective MAO inhibitors, are more reactive to stress (R).

In humans, MAO inhibitors have been used for decades in the treatment of depression (R). Low platelet MAO activity has been linked to vulnerability for depression, suicidality, and substance abuse disorders (R).

     From NCBI Gene: Monoamine oxidase A deficiencyFrom UniProt: Brunner syndrome (BRUNS): A form of X-linked non-dysmorphic mild mental retardation. Male patients are affected by borderline mental retardation and exhibit abnormal behavior, including disturbed regulation of impulsive aggression. Obligate female carriers have normal intelligence and behavior. [MIM:300615]

     From NCBI Gene: This gene is one of two neighboring gene family members that encode mitochondrial enzymes which catalyze the oxidative deamination of amines, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Mutation of this gene results in Brunner syndrome. This gene has also been associated with a variety of other psychiatric disorders, including antisocial behavior. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2012] From UniProt: Catalyzes the oxidative deamination of biogenic and xenobiotic amines and has important functions in the metabolism of neuroactive and vasoactive amines in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. MAOA preferentially oxidizes biogenic amines such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Basic Fixes If You’re a Low MAO-A Producer

• Ginkgo. When Ginkgo Biloba was administered to mice without MAOA, their aggressive behavior in confrontations was reduced to levels seen in normal mice (R)
• Riboflavin is needed for MAOA, so make sure you take a good B Complex.