Abstract
Monoamine Oxidase A (MAO-A) and Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B) are flavin-dependent enzymes that progressively increase with age in many tissues. It is proposed that both serve as “death genes,” depleting Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD) and thereby reducing mitochondrial energy production—mirroring the known action of CD38, which depletes Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+). Although MAO-A retains certain developmental and sex-related roles, MAO-B appears to confer no clear early-life benefit and emerges as the first true, fully dedicated death gene documented. This discovery challenges classical evolutionary theories and suggests an unexpected “programming” of aging. The contrasting knockout phenotypes are detailed—dramatic aggression and neurotransmitter imbalance for MAO-A vs. subtle or minimal deficits for MAO-B. How the parallel depletion of NAD+ (by CD38) and FAD (by MAOs) undermines electron transport chain function in a near-symmetric manner is also examined. These findings open new therapeutic possibilities, including targeted inhibition of MAO-B (and MAO-A) and combined strategies preserving both NAD+ and FAD to mitigate age-related decline. This finding also calls into question a core principle of the selfish gene theory of evolution and suggests a need for a reevaluation of mainstream theory.
Abstract (Easy to Understand Article)
Imagine if a simple injection of “young DNA” could help older animals—and potentially people—turn back the clock. Scientists now suspect that tiny genetic signals, whether from exosomes (little bubbles with microRNAs) or purified DNA fragments, might push aging cells to act younger. One striking example is Dr. Harold Katcher’s “E5” therapy, which used factors from young pig blood to reverse biological age markers in rats by over 60%. Researchers also note that normal cell turnover (apoptosis) might naturally release small DNA pieces that keep tissues “in sync” with a body’s overall age, suggesting there’s already a built-in system for coordinating youth signals. By carefully harnessing these DNA or RNA-based messengers—and ensuring they don’t trigger harmful immune responses—we could be looking at a new and surprisingly straightforward route to rejuvenation. This paper highlights how epigenetics, exosomes, and possibly even raw DNA injections are coming together in the quest to make cells feel (and function) younger.