G72 Background Information D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) metabolizes exogenous D-amino acids that accumulate during aging and modulates the level of D-serine in the brain, acting as a detoxifying agent. DAAO is specific for the D-configuration of amino acids and exhibits a preference for those with small, hydrophobic side chains and polar, aromatic and basic functional groups. D-amino acid oxidase activator (G72) associates with and activates DAAO. This 157 amino acid protein localizes to the Golgi apparatus. The gene encoding for the protein, known as DAOA, maps to chromosome 13q33.2-13q34. G72 is expressed in amygdala, spinal cord and testis. The G72 protein, together with the associated protein DAAO, is often implicated in schizophrenia. An overexpression of the G72 protein can be detected in schizophrenic brain samples.
