Abstract: Monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO A and B) are major neurotransmitter- and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes that are thought to play a role in psychiatric and neurological disorders. These isozymes have a high degree of identity in their nucleotide deduced amino acid sequences, but are encoded by different genes on the X-chromosome. Previous studies on MAO B have shown that FAD binds both noncovalently and covalently to specific amino acid residues that reside in highly conserved regions of MAO A and B. In the instant invention, it is demonstrated that the aromatic moieties at Tyr393 and Tyr398, which are located on each side of the covalent FAD binding residue (Cys397) participate in covalent FAD binding, and the generation of catalytically active MAO B.

Abstract: Monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO A and B) are major neurotransmitter- and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes that are thought to play a role in psychiatric and neurological disorders. These isozymes have a high degree of identity in their nucleotide deduced amino acid sequences, but are encoded by different genes on the X-chromosome. Previous studies on MAO B have shown that FAD binds both noncovalently and covalently to specific amino acid residues that reside in highly conserved regions of MAO A and B. In the instant invention, it is demonstrated that the aromatic moieties at Tyr393 and Tyr398, which are located on each side of the covalent FAD binding residue (Cys397) participate in covalent FAD binding, and the generation of catalytically active MAO B.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing apoenzyme of a riboflavin-dependent enzyme, comprising the steps of: growing COS-7 cells in a riboflavin-free medium; introducing a cDNA encoding a riboflavin-dependent enzyme; and expressing said cDNA. Also provided is a method of screening for an inhibitor of a flavin dependent enzyme, comprising the steps of;contracting a potential inhibitor of a flavin dependent enzyme with the cell line of claim 7 in the presence of riboflavin, FMN or Fad; and measuring the enzymatic activity of the flavin dependent enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase comprising a modified synthetic flavin adenine dinucleotide compound. Also provided is a method of inhibiting monoamine oxidase enzymatic activity in a cell, comprising the step of contacting said cell with a pharmacologically effective dose of a modified synthetic flavin adenine dinucleotide compound. Further provided is a method of treating a brain pathophysiological state in an individual, comprising administering a therapeutically effective dose of a modified synthetic flavin adenine dinucleotide compound to said individual.