Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) is a mitochondrial outer membrane enzyme that plays a key role in neurotransmitter metabolism by catalyzing the oxidative deamination of biogenic amines, including dopamine, phenethylamine, and trace amines. Primarily expressed in astrocytes, liver, and platelets, MAO-B is distinct from its isoform MAO-A in substrate preference and inhibitor sensitivity. MAO-B antibodies are essential tools in neuroscience and biomedical research, enabling the detection and localization of MAO-B protein in tissues or cells through techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.
Elevated MAO-B activity has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, where it may contribute to oxidative stress and neuronal damage via excessive dopamine degradation or toxic metabolite production. MAO-B antibodies help investigate these pathological mechanisms by assessing enzyme expression changes in disease models or postmortem tissues. Additionally, they are used in drug development studies targeting MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, rasagiline), which are approved for Parkinson’s therapy to enhance dopamine availability. Beyond neurodegeneration, MAO-B antibodies aid in exploring roles in cancer, aging, and psychiatric conditions. Their specificity and reliability are critical for validating experimental findings and advancing therapeutic strategies.