Monoamine Oxidase B in Cancers: Implications for Therapeutics and Prognosis

Monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) is an enzyme implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, particularly in the context of cancer. This review comprehensively examines the metabolic functions of MAOB within its dual implications in tumorigenesis. MAOB is significantly involved in regulating the levels of monoamines, including dopamine, and its dysregulation is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and cancer progression. Elevated MAOB activity has been linked to increased oxidative stress, contributing to tumor growth and metastasis through enhanced glycolysis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, MAOB's influence on the tumor microenvironment is evidenced by its modulation of key signaling pathways such as NF-κB and PI3K/AKT, impacting immune response and tumor behaviors. This review discusses the distinct expression patterns of MAOB across various cancer types and its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target. We outline ongoing efforts in the development of small molecule inhibitors of MAOB, investigating their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and potential combination therapies with traditional chemotherapeutics and immunotherapies. The integration of multi-omics approaches is emphasized as a future direction to further elucidate MAOB's role in cancer biology and refine personalized therapeutic strategies.