1-Methyl-9H-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (CAS 22329-38-0)

1-Methyl-9H-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid is a compound that functions as an inhibitor of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). It acts by binding to the active site of the enzyme, preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. This inhibition leads to an increase in the levels of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, resulting in prolonged signaling between neurons. At the molecular level, the compound forms strong interactions with the amino acid residues within the active site of MAO, disrupting the enzyme′s ability to catalyze the oxidative deamination of neurotransmitters. This disruption ultimately modulates neurotransmission and can have implications for the study of neurological and psychiatric disorders. In a research and development applications, 1-Methyl-9H-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid can be used to investigate the role of MAO inhibition in various physiological and pathological processes, providing insights into the regulation of neurotransmitter levels.