Monoamine oxidase enzyme has been developed as a valid target for the
treatment of depression. The development of selective and reversible type of
monoamine oxidase-A inhibitors still remains a challenge to medicinal chemists
pursuing the research towards the search of innovative chemotypes for the management
of depressive states. The present chapter focuses on the history of MAO-A inhibitors,
structure and biochemistry of MAO-A. It also covers challenges involved in the drug
development of MAO-A inhibitors.
Keywords: Adrenaline, Chees effect, Depression, FAD/Dopamine, Inhibitor
binding cavity, MAO-A, MAO-B, Moclobemide, Tranylcypromine.
