Monoamine oxidase B

Monoamine oxidase B, or MAO-B, is an enzyme found primarily in the brain and other tissues that breaks down neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are crucial chemical messengers that regulate mood, movement, and motivation. This enzyme naturally declines with age, and researchers have found that blocking MAO-B activity may help protect brain cells and slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Understanding MAO-B has opened up new therapeutic approaches, as certain medications that inhibit this enzyme are now used to treat neurodegenerative diseases and potentially enhance cognitive function.