MAOB
The information for this summary of the MAOB gene comes from research publications. This is not meant to take the place of medical advice.
What is the MAOB gene?
The MAOB gene is located on the X chromosome, which is one of the sex chromosomes. MAOB is right next to the MAOA gene. These genes are related, but they play different roles in the brain and other cells of the body throughout human development.
In 2025, it is not known if MAOB variants are associated with autism or neurodevelopmental issues. Genetic variants in both the MAOA and MAOB genes are expected to result in a more severe neurodevelopmental condition than genetic variants in the MAOA gene alone.
Please refer to the MAOA webpage for more details.
Key Role
The MAOB gene might be important for the communication between brain cells.
Symptoms
Because the MAOA and MAOB genes are important for brain activity, people with variants in both of these genes may have:
- Developmental delay
- Autism
How many people have MAOB-associated autism?
As of 2025, about 2 people with a variant in both the MAOA and MAOB genes have been identified in a medical clinic.
Support Resources
- Simons Searchlight Community – MAOA/B Facebook group
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 MAOB.
Research Article Summaries
We currently do not have any article summaries for MAOB, but we add resources to our website as they become available.
The information available about MAOB 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 MAOB articles can be found here.
Research Opportunities
Simons Searchlight
Help the Simons Searchlight team learn more about MAOB 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 MAOB families.
Click here to share your family’s story!