MONOAMINE OXIDASE (MAO) GENETICS AND BRAIN FUNCTION

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, which are involved in the regulation of mood and behavior. There is common normal variation (also called polymorphism) in the MAO gene, referred to as the "high" or "low" MAO A genotype. High and low MAO A genotypes occur in a ratio of 6:4 in the normal male population. However, we do not know if high MAO A genotype individuals also have high levels of MAO A in their brains, nor do we know if low MAO A genotype individuals have low MAO A in their brains. This study will determine whether individuals who have the high or low MAO A genotype also have high or low brain MAO A. This is is important because it is a first step in understanding the relationship of genes to behavior.