From aggression to autism: new perspectives on the behavioral sequelae of monoamine oxidase deficiency

Journal of Neural Transmission
Marco BortolatoJean C Shih

Abstract

The two monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, A and B, catalyze the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The phenotypic outcomes of MAO congenital deficiency have been studied in humans and animal models, to explore the role of these enzymes in behavioral regulation. The clinical condition caused by MAOA deficiency, Brunner syndrome, was first described as a disorder characterized by overt antisocial and aggressive conduct. Building on this discovery, subsequent studies were focused on the characterization of the role of MAOA in the neurobiology of antisocial conduct. MAO A knockout mice were found to display high levels of intermale aggression; however, further analyses of these mutants unveiled additional behavioral abnormalities mimicking the core symptoms of autism-spectrum disorder. These findings were strikingly confirmed in newly reported cases of Brunner syndrome. The role of MAOB in behavioral regulation remains less well-understood, even though Maob-deficient mice have been found to exhibit greater behavioral disinhibition and risk-taking responses, supporting previous clinical studies showing associations between low MAO B activity and impulsivity. Furthermore, lack o...Continue Reading

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Citations

Aug 27, 2019·Brain and Behavior·Ángel Rodríguez-RamosManuel Ruiz-Rubio
Sep 27, 2020·Autism Research : Official Journal of the International Society for Autism Research·Roma A VasaConnor M Kerns
Dec 14, 2018·Genetics in Medicine : Official Journal of the American College of Medical Genetics·Allison M MatthewsUNKNOWN TIDE BC, United for Metabolic Diseases and the CAUSES Study
Jan 1, 2021·Brain Sciences·Anna M CybulskaElżbieta Grochans
Feb 20, 2021·Translational Psychiatry·Alexios-Fotios A MentisGeorge P Chrousos
May 18, 2021·Frontiers in Pharmacology·Mahyar Ostadkarampour, Edward E Putnins

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