MAOA

Fact Checked

Protein:

Monoamine Oxidase A

SNP ID:

T1410C
G1052+680C
G891T
C306+527T

Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme which encodes by the MAOA gene. MAO-A catalyses the oxidative deamination (break down) of the neurotransmitters:

Noradrenaline
Adrenaline
Serotonin
Dopamine

It therefore plays an important role in regulating mood. This was discovered by a study that found that mice lacking MAOA show enhanced aggression and altered emotional learning relative to wild-type (normal) animals.

Studies have shown that positive selection has directed the evolution of MAOA in humans and implies that natural selection has actively chosen a new variant in a gene that is intimately associated with behavior¹.

Impact of MAOA mutations

A nonsense mutation in MAOA was shown to be involved in a rare X-linked behavioral syndrome, which is characterized by impaired impulse control, aggression, and borderline mental retardation (Brunner syndrome).

Research has also found that SNPs in a region that controls the expression of the MAOA gene have significant effects on behavior. It was found that certain variants in this region contribute to the behavioral attribute of “straightforwardness”, while others may contribute to “conscientiousness”².

It’s important to note that MAOA variations do not solely contribute to aggressiveness, there are numerous other factors associated, with the most important thought to be early life abuse ³^–⁵.

T1410C

Science Grade :

B-

Brain Health

rsID Number	Major Allele	Minor Allele	Minor Allele Frequency (%)	Major Amino Acid	Minor Amino Acid
rs1137070	c	t	37	Asp	Asp

Risk Description

As is discussed above it is not possible to completely understand MAOAactivity without genetic screening, which is not available to most consumers. However, the risk ‘T’ allele of T1410C does display a weak association with the 3R form of MAO-A. Therefore, those carrying the risk ‘T’ allele are at risk of displaying increased aggression, particularly when associated with other lifestyle traits ^8,9.

Direct Nutrients:^*

Ingredient	Active Ingredient	Effect
Vitamin B2	Riboflavin phosphate	Vitamin B2 is a cofactor for MAO-A, required for it to function correctly ¹⁰. The risk ‘T’ allele of T1410C displays a weak association with the 3R, reduced activity, form of MAO-A; therefore carriers may benefit from vitamin B2 supplementation ¹¹.

Discuss this information with your doctor before taking any course of action.

Citations:

G1052+680C

Science Grade :

C+

Brain Health

rsID Number	Major Allele	Minor Allele	Minor Allele Frequency (%)
rs3027399	g	c	48

Risk Description

The risk ‘G’ allele of G1052+680C is associated with the 5R form of MAO-A which displays reduced activity. Therefore carriers are at risk of exhibiting increased aggression depending on other life factors ^8,9.

Direct Nutrients:^*

Ingredient	Active Ingredient	Effect
Vitamin B2	Riboflavin phosphate	Vitamin B2 is a cofactor for MAO-A, required for its proper function ¹⁰. The risk ‘G’ allele of G1052+680C is associated with the 5R, reduced activity, form of MAO-A; carriers of the ‘G’ allele may benefit from vitamin B2 supplementation ¹¹.

Discuss this information with your doctor before taking any course of action.

Citations:

G891T

Science Grade :

B-

Brain Health

rsID Number	Major Allele	Minor Allele	Minor Allele Frequency (%)	Major Amino Acid	Minor Amino Acid
rs6323	t	g	35	Arg	Arg

Risk Description

As discussed above a full understanding of MAOA status requires a complete genetic screen which is not available to most consumers. However, the risk ‘T’ allele of G891T is associated with the 5R form of MAO-A and therefore reduced activity, with the associated risk of aggression, although the link is rather weak ^6,7.

Interestingly, the higher activity forms of MAO-A associated with the ‘G’ allele of G891T has been associated with depression, potentially due to more rapid degradation of neurotransmitters although results are conflicting, suggesting this aspect requires further research ^8,9.

Direct Nutrients:^*

Ingredient	Active Ingredient	Effect
Vitamin B2	Riboflavin phosphate	MAO-A uses vitamin B2 as a cofactor in order to function correctly ¹⁰. The risk ‘T’ allele of G891T is associated with the 5R, reduced activity, form of MAO-A; therefore carriers of the ‘T’ allele may benefit from vitamin B2 supplementation ¹¹.

Discuss this information with your doctor before taking any course of action.

Citations:

C306+527T

Science Grade :

C+

Brain Health

rsID Number	Major Allele	Minor Allele	Minor Allele Frequency (%)
rs909525	t	c	28

Risk Description

A full understanding of MAOA status requires a complete genetic screen which is not available to most consumers. However, the risk ‘C’ allele of C306+527T is associated with the 3R and 5R variants of MAO-A which display reduced activity, thereby increasing the risk of aggression in association with other factors ^6,7.

Direct Nutrients:^*

Ingredient	Active Ingredient	Effect
Vitamin B2	Riboflavin phosphate	Vitamin B2 is a cofactor for MAO-A, required for it to function properly ¹⁰. The risk ‘C’ allele of C306+527T is associated with both the 3R and 5R, reduced activity, forms of MAO-A; therefore vitamin B2 supplementation may benefit carriers of the ‘C’ allele ¹¹.

Discuss this information with your doctor before taking any course of action.

Risk Description

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