MAOA
The information for this summary of MAOA-related syndrome comes from research publications. This is not meant to take the place of medical advice.
Click here for our full MAOA Gene Guide
The online Gene Guide includes more information about MAOA such as the chance of having another child with this condition, behavior and development concerns linked to MAOA-related syndrome or specialists to consider for people with this condition. Share this resource with family members or your clinical providers.
MAOA-related syndrome is also called Brunner syndrome. For this webpage, we will be using the name MAOA-related syndrome to encompass the wide range of variants observed in the people identified.
What is MAOA-related syndrome?
MAOA-related syndrome happens when there are changes in the MAOA gene. These changes can keep the gene from working as it should.
The MAOA gene is located on the X chromosome, which is one of the sex chromosomes.
Key Role
The MAOA gene plays a key role in the communication between brain cells.
Symptoms
Because the MAOA gene is important for brain activity, many people who have MAOA-related syndrome have:
- Developmental delay
- Intellectual disability
- Learning issues
- Tremor
- Disturbed sleep and night terrors
- Episodic headaches
- Autism
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Antisocial behavior
- Behavioral issues and temper tantrums
Brunner syndrome mostly affects males, but some females might have symptoms.
How many people have MAOA-related syndrome?
As of 2025, about 23 people with MAOA-related syndrome have been identified in medical research.
Support Resources
- Simons Searchlight Community – MAOA/B Facebook group
- Monoamine Oxidase Deficiency Foundation – maodf.org
GeneReviews
GeneReviews are a great resource to bring to your child’s clinicians. These publications provide a summary of current research on genetic conditions and information on ongoing care.
There is currently no GeneReviews for MAOA.
Research Article Summaries
We currently do not have any article summaries for MAOA, but we add resources to our website as they become available.
The information available about MAOA is limited, and families and doctors share a critical need for more information. As we learn more from children who have this gene change, we expect our list of resources and information to grow.
Full versions of published research articles can be found on PubMed. PubMed is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) online database that is free. It has a collection of both medical and scientific research articles. A PubMed search for MAOA articles can be found here.
Research Opportunities
Simons Searchlight
Help the Simons Searchlight team learn more about MAOA genetic changes by taking part in our research. You can learn more about the project and sign up here.
Family Stories
We do not currently have any stories from MAOA families.
Click here to share your family’s story!