MONOAMINE OXIDASE (MAO) GENETICS AND BRAIN FUNCTION

这个子项目是许多研究子项目中的一个 由NIH/NCRR资助的中心赠款提供的资源。子项目和 研究者（PI）可能从另一个NIH来源获得了主要资金， 因此可以在其他CRISP条目中表示。所列机构为 研究中心，而研究中心不一定是研究者所在的机构。 单胺氧化酶（MAO）是一种分解神经递质的酶，如多巴胺，5-羟色胺和去甲肾上腺素，这些神经递质参与情绪和行为的调节。在MAO基因中存在常见的正常变异（也称为多态性），称为“高”或“低”MAO A基因型。 在正常男性群体中，高、低MAO A基因型的比例为6：4。然而，我们不知道高MAO A基因型个体的大脑中是否也有高水平的MAO A，我们也不知道低MAO A基因型个体的大脑中是否有低MAO A。 这项研究将确定具有高或低MAO A基因型的个体是否也具有高或低的脑MAO A。 这一点很重要，因为它是理解基因与行为关系的第一步。

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.